Tag: TXT

Music

Stray Kids and IVE Dominate 2025 K-World Dream Awards With 4 Wins Each

Tanisha Cardozo

The 2025 K-World Dream Awards weren’t just another night of trophies — they were a glittering celebration of K-pop’s unstoppable global wave. Held in Seoul, the ninth edition of the awards brought together the biggest names in the industry, and the night clearly belonged to Stray Kids and IVE, who each took home four prestigious honors.

Stray Kids and IVE shared the Best Artist Award, a nod to their massive influence, chart-topping hits, and unbeatable fanbase. Both were also among the winners of the World Class Award and the Bonsang (Main Award). Their popularity translated into fan-driven wins too, with IVE’s Jang Won Young earning the Solo Popularity Award, while Stray Kids picked up the Group Popularity Award.

TXT, LE SSERAFIM, and NCT WISH followed closely with three awards each — with accolades including World Class, Bonsang, and Best Performance awards. The night also spotlighted fresh talent like ILLIT, tripleS, QWER, and rookies AHOF, KiiiKiii, and Hearts2Hearts.

Specialty awards ranged from Best Music Video (ILLIT, tripleS, YOUNG POSSE) to Best OST (“Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters). Paul Kim and BTOB took home the Listener Choice Award, while G-Dragon, IU, and Rosé were recognized for Best Digital Music.

The Producer Award went to Seo Hyun Joo, executive producer at Starship Entertainment, recognizing her role in shaping some of the industry’s biggest acts.

MCs Jun Hyun Moo and Jang Do Yeon kept the energy high, while star presenters like Byeon Woo Seok and Moon Ga Young added a touch of glamour to the event.

With the blue carpet starting at 4:30 pm KST and the show streaming live worldwide via HelloLive, the event proved once again that K-pop is a worldwide obsession with no signs of slowing down.

As K-pop continues to break barriers and reach new heights, the K-World Dream Awards 2025 made one thing clear — the genre is not just surviving, it’s thriving.

Music

CORTIS Is Here: BigHit Music Announces New Boy Group Set to Debut August 18

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

BigHit’s next-generation boy band emerges six years after TXT

In a move that has ignited a new wave of excitement across the K-pop community, BigHit Music — home to global icons BTS and TXT — has unveiled CORTIS, a five-member boy group set to make their debut on August 18.

Announced via a sleek midnight teaser on August 7 KST, the group’s name, CORTIS, appeared glowing in pink on a laptop screen, sparking immediate buzz. The teaser was accompanied by the reveal of the group’s full lineup: Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho — all young talents with a passion for creativity.

Meet the Members of CORTIS

Each member brings something unique to the table, with backgrounds that span songwriting, choreography, and performance:

  • Martin (17) – A Canadian-Korean artist and the presumed leader, Martin has already built an impressive résumé behind the scenes. His songwriting credits include TXT’s “Deja Vu,” “Miracle,” and “Beautiful Strangers,” as well as ENHYPEN’s “Outside,” LE SSERAFIM’s “Pierrot,” and ILLIT’s “Magnetic.”
  • James (20) – The eldest member, James is Thai-Chinese and known for his choreography work with TXT and ILLIT. His experience adds a dynamic edge to CORTIS’ stage presence.

Juhoon (17), Seonghyeon (16), and Keonho (16) – All Korean, these younger members bring fresh energy and promise. Keonho is the group’s maknae (youngest), but all members are expected to play active roles in shaping the group’s identity.

Not Just Idols — Creative Visionaries

CORTIS isn’t just another idol group. According to BigHit, the band is designed as a “young creators’ crew” — a collective where every member contributes creatively, whether through music composition, visual direction, or performance design.

“They will express their creative talent based on their own stories,” BigHit shared in a statement. “All members will take part in the creative process, regardless of their set positions.”

This marks a notable shift in the way K-pop groups are structured, giving these young stars greater artistic control and the space to explore their individuality.

The Teaser and What’s Next

The teaser may have been minimalist, but fans are already speculating about the upcoming August 10 release at midnight KST on HYBE LABELS’ YouTube channel. It’s expected to showcase either their debut track or give the first full glimpse into the group’s concept, sound, and aesthetic.

Socials and Fan Connection

CORTIS’ official X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok accounts are now live, marking the beginning of their pre-debut journey. Fans can expect behind-the-scenes glimpses, training logs, and maybe even sneak peeks at their debut concept.

With BTS hinting at a long-awaited comeback and TXT continuing to soar, CORTIS is arriving at a pivotal moment in BigHit’s legacy — and they’re ready to carve out a fresh, innovative chapter in K-pop history.