Rookie K-pop boy group Cortis, dubbed one of the “monster rookies of 2025,” has found itself at the center of online debate following a recent live broadcast in which members openly discussed romance-related topics.
Having debuted just over six months ago, Cortis quickly gained attention for its strong performance skills and international appeal. However, their growing popularity was met with unexpected controversy after a casual live stream took an unexpected turn.
During the broadcast, fans asked questions related to dating and relationships. The five members responded freely, leading the conversation into topics such as kissing, dating after adulthood, and even marriage. Leader Martin and Taiwanese member James made remarks including kissing is okay after becoming an adult and hypothetical comments about all five members dating at the same time. James further raised eyebrows by stating, We’re actually very experienced.
The comment quickly spread across social media platforms, with some fans interpreting it as a reference to personal dating experience—an especially sensitive topic in idol culture. As the conversation escalated, the group’s manager abruptly called during the live stream, citing upcoming schedules and instructing the members to end the broadcast immediately.
The incident sparked divided reactions online. Some netizens criticized the members for being careless with their words, arguing that idols should be more cautious when addressing sensitive subjects. They definitely got carried away. As idols, they still need to be mindful, one comment read.
Others came to Cortis’ defense, emphasizing that idols are young adults entitled to personal opinions and normal conversations. Another group of fans suggested the controversy may stem from translation nuances, explaining that James’ comment about having experience could have meant experience answering fan questions rather than romantic experience.
As discussions continue across platforms like Threads, the incident highlights the ongoing tension between idol image management and personal expression in the K-pop industry. For now, Cortis has not released an official statement, and fans are watching closely to see how the agency will address the situation moving forward.
Sources: Yahoo News