CORTIS‘s performance of “Acai” at the Music Bank World Tour event in Barcelona has sparked intense debate across social media platforms. A video capturing the Big Hit Music (HYBE) rookie group’s live vocals quickly went viral, prompting criticism of the members’ singing and rapping abilities. Without the polished vocal effects and pitch correction commonly used in studio recordings, some listeners felt that the members struggled with unstable pitch, inconsistent delivery, and a lack of energy. The footage has raised questions about the live performance skills of one of K-pop’s most talked-about rookie boy groups.
Much of the criticism focused on the group’s vocal technique and rap delivery. Several viewers argued that the problems went beyond occasional mistakes caused by exhaustion or stage nerves, suggesting that the members lacked fundamental technical skills. Their unclear pronunciation, uneven rhythm, and subdued delivery were also criticized as signs of an underprepared performance. Although CORTIS has often been praised for its confident stage presence, some viewers felt that its charisma was not enough to compensate for the perceived weaknesses in its live vocals.
Korean netizens shared mixed reactions to the performance:
“The song is supposed to sound like that. The others might be fine with a little more vocal processing, but the member wearing white really doesn’t sing well.”
“But doesn’t the original recording of ‘ACAI’ sound like that too? I honestly don’t hear much of a difference.”
“At least I think the tallest member has the clearest pronunciation and the best voice.”
“I just listened to the original version. Turns out they sing like that in the recording too, but the audio processing makes it sound a little different. With a song like this, I guess it’s inevitable that the live version would sound strange.”
The backlash also developed into a broader discussion about perceived double standards between male and female idols in the K-pop industry. Some viewers accused CORTIS of benefiting from preferential treatment as a boy group, arguing that the members receive substantial promotional support from their agency and are frequently praised as talented, self-producing artists despite what critics consider inconsistent live performances. Comparisons with other performers at the same event further fueled the debate, as netizens pointed out that other acts appeared to deliver their stages smoothly, challenging suggestions that sound equipment or broadcast transmission issues were primarily responsible. Among the CORTIS members, Martin received relatively positive feedback for his efforts to energize the crowd. However, critics argued that one member’s enthusiasm could not make up for the group’s overall performance shortcomings.
The viral Barcelona stage is not the first time CORTIS has faced questions about its performance style. Since debuting, the group has developed an identity centered on spontaneity and individual expression rather than the tightly synchronized choreography traditionally associated with K-pop idols. In July, during the group’s first world tour, Put Your Phone Down, its concert in South Korea reportedly drew complaints from some fans. The opening show lasted approximately 100 minutes, while the setlist was criticized for repeating songs such as “Youngcreatorcrew” and “REDRED” without offering solo performances or specially arranged stages. The group’s subsequent appearance at Lollapalooza also prompted comments suggesting that CORTIS had become less focused on choreography and fundamental performance skills compared with its debut period.
Despite the criticism, CORTIS remains one of the most commercially successful rookie groups of its generation. Songs such as “Go!,” “Fashion,” and “REDRED” have achieved significant popularity and helped the group establish a strong public presence. In less than a year since debut, CORTIS has reportedly surpassed four million cumulative album sales, with its May release GREENGREEN contributing more than 2.3 million copies. The group has also received major industry recognition, including the Rookie of the Year title at the 2026 Golden Disc Awards and a Daesang grand prize.
Sources: kenh14