CORTIS Ignites Global Stage: Snags ✌️ Major Nominations at the iHeartRadio Music Awards! 🚀

Seoul, Korea – The global K-pop phenomenon CORTIS has officially shattered expectations, earning their first-ever nominations at a prestigious U.S. music awards show, undeniably solidifying their blazing international trajectory. This landmark achievement cements their status as a powerhouse just months into their debut, capturing the attention of millions worldwide.

Hello Korea confirms that the highly anticipated 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, which unveiled its nominee list on January 8 (local time), has recognized CORTIS in two pivotal categories. The group – comprised of members Martin, James, Juhun, Seonghyeon, and Geonho – is up for the coveted ‘Best New Artist (K-pop)’ award. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Their electrifying debut album intro track, ‘GO!’, has also been nominated for ‘Favorite TikTok Dance’, placing them alongside global superstars such as Taylor Swift and Tate McRae. In an impressive feat, CORTIS stands as the *only* K-pop boy group to be nominated in this highly competitive, trend-setting category.

The iHeartRadio Music Awards, hosted annually by the American online radio broadcaster iHeartRadio since 2014, celebrates the artists and songs that have dominated airwaves and streaming platforms over the past year. Fans can tune in to witness the grand ceremony broadcast live on U.S. TV channel FOX on March 26.

These significant nominations are a direct reflection of CORTIS’s unprecedented success in the global market. Their debut album, ‘COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES’, made a historic entry onto the U.S. Billboard’s main album chart, ‘Billboard 200’, ranking at an astounding No. 15 on the chart dated September 27, 2025. This marked the highest debut album performance for any K-pop group, excluding project teams. Furthermore, on global audio and music streaming platform Spotify, the album is on the verge of hitting an incredible 300 million cumulative streams just four months after its release.

Speaking of ‘GO!’, the nominated track has undeniably ascended to global hit status, largely propelled by its viral dance challenge. As of January 9, 10 AM KST, videos utilizing the song’s audio on the global short-form video platform TikTok have surpassed 210,000 creations, an overwhelming figure compared to other tracks released concurrently. On Spotify, ‘GO!’ achieved the fastest 100 million streams among K-pop boy group songs released last year, hitting the milestone by January 2. Its popularity is palpable, with massive singalongs erupting at stadium award ceremonies overseas, and the track even featuring in promotional videos for Major League Baseball (MLB)’s postseason – a testament to its universal appeal.

Meanwhile, the momentum continues for CORTIS. The group has been announced as the headliner for the upcoming ‘NBA Crossover concert series’, scheduled to take place on February 12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This marks another groundbreaking first, as CORTIS will be the inaugural K-pop artist to grace the stage at this highly anticipated event.

This iHeartRadio recognition for CORTIS isn’t just about awards; it’s a powerful validation of their undeniable stage presence and ability to connect with a global audience, paving the way for even more explosive live performances to come. Their unique blend of artistry and viral appeal is a game-changer.

With these groundbreaking achievements, CORTIS is not just making waves – they’re generating a full-blown tsunami across the global music landscape, proving they are a force to be reckoned with.

Editor: Jason Lee 🎤