K-pop boy band Cortis is out with a new tune titled “RedRed.” it is the lead single of their upcoming EP, "GreenGreen."

During a media showcase in Seoul the same day, Cortis members Martin, Keonho, James, Juhoon and Seonghyeon discussed how they prepared for the song and its music video. 

“First, fingers crossed, I really believe this lead single is going to do great. It's going to be a success. We put in a lot of work and from the first listen until now no matter how many times I hear it the second verse when the bass drops it still gives me chills. I love it,” said Martin, the leader. 

Seonghyeon said, “So this time, too, all five of us were involved in the production, so I think it really reflects our taste and standards well. And we're really excited because this song will show a new side of us.” 

K-pop group Cortis during their media showcase for lead single "RedRed" on April 20 in Seoul (Bighit Music)

K-pop group Cortis during their media showcase for lead single "RedRed" on April 20 in Seoul (Bighit Music)

Cortis debuted in August last year with “What You Want,” becoming the third group under Bighit Music after BTS and Tomorrow X Together. 

Juhoon said, “While our debut album was about focusing on the sound that would serve as our first impression, this time we tried to add elements that would be fun on stage. After debuting, we learned so much from performing and connecting with the audience, and that really helped shape the song so we cannot wait to perform it live.” 

Keonho said they have gained new experiences since their debut. 

“Since our debut, we've had so many new experiences. Last October, we performed at a stadium in LA for a ceremony and performed in front of thousands of local fans. Going through all of that really helped us figure out our own taste and direction more clearly,” he said. 

In coming up with “RedRed,” James said, “So when we were working on it, we really thought about what doesn't feel like us and what we did not want to do and started stripping away those things one by one. In doing so, we gained a much clearer sense of what we wanted to express and the direction we wanted to take.”

“So to find the song we really wanted to find, we kept working with the producers and engineers right up to the final mixing stage. We put in a lot of effort. In the end, we all really fell in love with the final version, and we were able to speed things up because we liked the final version so much,” said Martin. 

K-pop group Cortis during their media showcase for lead single "RedRed" on April 20 in Seoul (Bighit Music)

K-pop group Cortis during their media showcase for lead single "RedRed" on April 20 in Seoul (Bighit Music)

Two million album preorders 

“GreenGreen” has garnered more than two million copies in preorders, which made the members happy. 

“When we heard the news, we were actually not together. So I personally first heard from my mom. She let me know. and when my mom texted me and told me the news, she was really happy for me as well. So that made me proud and I felt a lot of fulfillment in that,” said Keonho. 

Seonghyeon added, “I came across the news through my dad. My dad texted me and told me that our pre-orders surpassed two million copies. So that's how I found out and I felt so grateful for all the attention and love that we were receiving. so early in our career. 

Martin said, “I actually found out on social media online. Right after I saw the news, I shared it in our group chat, and everybody was so amazed by the news. It felt so surreal. 

Cortis member Keonho (Bighit Music)

Cortis member Martin (Bighit Music)

K-pop group Cortis during their media showcase for lead single "RedRed" on April 20 in Seoul (Bighit Music)

Cortis member Martin (Bighit Music)

Cortis member Keonho (Bighit Music)

Songwriting sessions in LA 

Cortis went to Los Angeles for songwriting sessions that helped them a lot. 

“We were working with very famous producers, and they have worked with well-known artists as well. So we felt really driven to meet that level of quality. That was the mindset we put on. Of course, we had some pressure, but more than anything, we just really wanted to do well. So we learned a lot, and we tried to stay actively involved,” said Martin. 

James said, “So this time, we wanted to explore new textures in terms of sound and bring out more raw feel. So we used instruments and rhythms we have not used before to finish the song. So we even made like six or seven different versions using different melodies and beats.”

Juhoon said “RedRed” was eventually chosen as the lead single for “GreenGreen.” 

“It's not like we started out thinking, okay, 'RedRed,' this is going to be the lead single. This is going to be the title track. But as we continued developing it, the song really came to life. At some point, we all felt confident that it had what it takes to be the lead single.”

During the showcase, Cortis performed “RedRed,” showing their excellent choreography. 

Music video 

For the “RedRed” music video, Martin said, “Like last time, before shooting the official music video, we once again created our own self-produced version because I think originality really matters for this song. So we thought that old alleyways of Korea would match the song's raw texture really well. We filmed at places or some older restaurants and even at Gilmajung Bridge, which is a bridge we went to and from while we were trainees.” 

Keonho remembered, “The old restaurant setting as well as the overall composition, structure, and vibe, we brought over many of these elements to the final version.”

Juhoon said, “So when we were shooting, a lot of scenes were improvised. For each scene, the first scene would be following the storyboard, but afterward we would try different ideas, we would try out things, we would improvise based on what felt right, so it really felt like we were creating something, we were co-creating something together with the director, which we liked."

About “GreenGreen,” Keonho said, “We stripped away what we don't resonate with and what we choose to push back against, filling it with what we truly like and stand for. We were meticulous with every detail when making the album. Each member honestly shared their story, so make sure to stay tuned." 

Cortis member James (Bighit Music)

Cortis member Juhoon (Bighit Music)

Cortis member Seonghyeon (Bighit Music)

Cortis member Seonghyeon (Bighit Music)

Cortis member James (Bighit Music)

Cortis member Juhoon (Bighit Music)

Key to popularity 

Cortis members were asked about the secret behind their popularity. 

Martin said, “Well, if we had to pinpoint a reason, a secret behind the success, I would say our honesty, our authenticity. Ever since our first EP, we really tried to capture our honest daily lives and feelings in our EP.  And I also think they love the chemistry, the great chemistry between the members when we do our live streaming or in our content videos. I think a lot of that chemistry shows through. So I think that could be the driver behind our success.” 

Juhoon said, “If I were to name another reason, I would say our performance, our stages. So we really try to focus on that energy when we perform on stage. We love performing face to face, connecting with the audience and our fans as well and I think the fans also enjoy those moments the best as well so I think that could be one of the reasons for our popularity.”