CORTIS won, the results are officially in, and the fans have spoken loud and clear. After weeks of intense voting, eliminations, and viral support campaigns across social media, CORTIS has been crowned Rookie of the Year in Music Mundial’s competition and with their explosive debut, they are now widely recognized as the strongest Kpop debut of the last three years.
Formed by Big Hit Music under HYBE, CORTIS debuted on August 18, 2025, with the digital single “What You Want,” the lead track from their first EP Color Outside the Lines. The five member group with James, Juhoon, Martin (leader), Seonghyeon, and Keonho, immediately positioned themselves as an act with global ambition.
Their EP Color Outside the Lines debuted at No. 1 on the Circle Album Chart and surpassed 1.7 million copies sold in South Korea, earning Million certification from the Korea Music Content Association. Internationally, the project entered the Billboard 200 at No. 15 and reached No. 2 on the Billboard World Albums chart, proving their global impact from day one.
Their pre debut track “Go!” and singles like “Fashion” and “What You Want” charted across multiple territories, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, New Zealand, and the United States World Digital Song Sales chart. Beyond charts, the group quickly became known for sharp choreography, self produced elements, and a bold artistic identity inspired by the meaning behind their name Color Outside the Lines, symbolizing creative freedom.
Their rookie era was historic. CORTIS also won Rookie of the Year at the Asia Artist Awards, Best New Artist at the 2025 MAMA Awards, Rookie Artist of the Year at the 40th Golden Disc Awards, and multiple Korea First Brand Awards and performed at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game halftime show, marking another milestone in their rapidly expanding global presence.
For this edition, Music Mundial expanded eligibility to groups who debuted within the last three years, creating one of the most competitive rookie showdowns ever. Twenty standout groups were selected through a meticulous internal process before entering the public voting phase.
The rules were simple: two votes per minute, with validation through social media sharing. Fanbases mobilized at full power, turning the competition into a viral celebration of new generation Kpop talent. After intense rounds, CORTIS emerged victorious.
Second place: KickFlip’s powerful rise
Coming in second place was KickFlip, the 7 member boy group under JYP Entertainment. Consisting of Kyehoon (leader), Amaru, Donghwa, Juwang, Minje, Keiju, and Donghyeon, KickFlip debuted in January 2025 with their EP Flip It, Kick It!.
The project sold over 300,000 copies in its first week and topped the Circle Album Chart, marking the strongest debut first week sales for a JYP boy group. Their energetic sound, dynamic performances, and strong domestic fan support quickly solidified them as one of the most promising new acts of their generation.
Third place: ILLIT’s global breakthrough
In third place was HYBE’s girl group ILLIT, formed through the survival show R U Next?. The 5 member group with Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha, made headlines with their debut mini album Super Real Me.
Their title track “Magnetic” became a viral global hit, entering major international charts and establishing ILLIT as one of the fastest rising girl groups of the new era.
Music Mundial thanks every fan who participated in this year’s competition. The passion, dedication, and unity displayed throughout the voting process once again prove that Kpop’s power lies not only in the artists but in the global community that supports them.
Congratulations to CORTIS, KickFlip, and ILLIT for defining the new generation. The rookie era is just the beginning and if this is how they start, the future of Kpop looks unstoppable.