BIGHIT MUSIC’s rookie boy group CORTIS have found themselves at the center of online controversy following a recent upload to TikTok, sparking intense debate and comparisons to past KISS OF LIFE scandal.
The video, shared as a Christmas-themed TikTok, shows CORTIS members wandering around the HYBE building while lip-syncing “It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas.” Rather than a simple Christmas lip sync, the members relied on exaggerated movements, hand gestures and playful antics while wearing balaclavas, sunglasses and oversized pants.
While some viewers saw the clip as harmless fun, many netizens reacted negatively, criticizing the video an insensitive parody of black culture. The backlash quickly intensified, with fans drawing parallels to KISS OF LIFE’s controversial live stream in the past, an incident that had a significant impact on the girl group’s public image during their rise.
Online discussions wondered why the reactions to CORTIS had appeared less serious. Some argued that being backed by a powerful company like HYBE offered the group a level of protection from the most severe criticism, while others have suggested it Different standards between groups of boys and groups of girls rooted in misogyny have played a role in the conflict.
CORTIS supporters objected, insisting that TikTok did not cross the same boundaries as the KISS OF LIFE live stream and should not be equated with it. However, KISS OF LIFE fans countered that the girl group had acknowledged their mistake, apologized and taken responsibility. steps CORTIS has yet to take, despite being recalled for similar concerns in the past.
As the clip continues to circulate across social media platforms, negative sentiment towards CORTIS remains dominant. With opinions sharply divided, the situation has reignited larger conversations about cultural sensitivity, responsibility and double standards within the K-pop industry.
Sources: Koreaboo
