CORTIS took the stage on February 14 (KST) at the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, held at the Kia Forum. The Celebrity Game is one of the flagship events of National Basketball Association All-Star Weekend, featuring teams made up of athletes, actors, musicians, and other public figures. This marks the first time a Korean artist has performed in the event’s history.
Introduced by the host as a “K-pop sensation that took the Billboard charts by storm,” CORTIS received thunderous cheers from the crowd — reportedly louder than reactions to scoring plays during the game itself. The five-member group energized the arena with back-to-back performances of their signature tracks “GO!” and “FaSHioN.” Despite being rookies, CORTIS demonstrated commanding stage presence, leaving a strong impression on sports fans. Audience members were even spotted singing along to the catchy chorus sections.
The group’s momentum in the United States had already been building prior to the halftime show. On February 13, CORTIS headlined the NBA Crossover Concert Series at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The concert sold out, drawing fans across diverse races, genders, and age groups.
Both the NBA All-Star and Billboard’s official social media accounts spotlighted the performance. In featured clips, fans shared comments such as, “I came here to see CORTIS,” praising the group’s “passion and explosive energy” and describing them as “inspiring” with “something uniquely different from traditional K-pop.”
CORTIS is also actively promoting the league as part of the “Friends of the NBA” initiative. During a broadcast of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks game on February 13, local commentators even mentioned the group, with one remarking, “My favorite K-pop group is CORTIS. After seeing them in person today, my rankings have changed.” The comment quickly spread across social media, further highlighting the group’s growing influence.
With their groundbreaking NBA All-Star Weekend appearance, CORTIS has not only elevated their global profile but also opened new doors for K-pop artists on major international sports stages.
Sources: Daum | OSEN