HYBE Labels’ newest boy group CORTIS have found themselves at the center of a heated debated over their behavior towards BTS’s J-Hope.
CORTIS made their debut on August 18, joining BTS and TXT as BIGHIT Music’s third act. Alongside their title track “What You Want,” their B-side release “GO!” has also been a huge hit with fans. Always known for uplifting his labelmates, J-Hope recently took the time to film a TikTok dance cover of “GO!” to show his support.
@iamurhope 힘내Go! 동생들아 @cortis_bighit ♬ GO! – CORTIS
However, CORTIS’s response to the video has now sparked major controversy across social media. In their own TikTok clip, all five members were seen giving a 90-degree bow to a phone screen playing J-Hope’s cover before thanking him with a full keunjeol bow — a traditional Korean ceremonial gesture in which the forehead touches the ground.
@cortis_bighit @hobipower 선배님 always killin' it 🤘 사랑하GO! 감사합니다 선배님 ❤️🔥 #BTS #방탄소년단 #jhope #제이홉 #CORTIS ♬ 오리지널 사운드 – CORTIS
Many fans were quick to slam the behavior, describing it as “weird” and “cultish”.
this is lowkey cultish https://t.co/FcCa4qsjAS
— ً (@yslnings) August 29, 2025
Am i too woke? pic.twitter.com/LEhDvlu9aj
— ✮ (@yunarve) August 29, 2025
Several netizens rushed to defend the interaction, arguing that a deep bow is nothing more than an appropriate display of respect for a senior in Korean culture and accusing fans of blowing a “joke” out of proportion.
Showing respect to their seniors is an issue now???!!! certain fandoms taking this to drag cortis just shows how evil you are https://t.co/jFYgYBvv5B
— aj ⁸¹⁸ (@cortisshinez) August 31, 2025
sorry but everyone is taking this way too seriously ive done this when my mom gave me five dollars https://t.co/H6VtSqe0Mr
— 고사리 (@driedgosari) August 29, 2025
However, others insisted that CORTIS’s actions were too extreme, looking more like worship than simple gratitude and appreciation.
it's korean culture😭jhope is 12 years their senior
— HETEROPHOBIA (@rickyDNI_) August 29, 2025
All that being said, it should come as no surprise that the CORTIS members were genuinely grateful to J-Hope for his support. Before their debut, the members were previously spotted at the BTS star’s solo concert, enjoying the show like devoted fans.
Remember KATSEYE attending j-hope's concert and being inspired by his amazing performance? Here's a video of CORTIS, BigHit's new K-pop boy group that has recently debuted, having a great time at j-hope's concert! pic.twitter.com/A6muVnseDK
— jayvee (@uarmyvibe) August 9, 2025
