HYBE boy group CORTIS has recently come under scrutiny for alleged cultural appropriation, sparking heated debates among netizens and fans. The controversy stems from the strong historical connection between K-pop and Black music. Many K-pop tracks are rooted in genres pioneered by Black artists, particularly African Americans, and numerous Black songwriters appear in the credits of K-pop songs.
This close relationship has sometimes led to missteps, where idols incorporate elements of other cultures without fully understanding their significance. A recent example involves CORTIS member Martin, whose actions in a Christmas-themed video posted on December 24 drew criticism.
In the video, the members are dressed in streetwear while performing to a rendition of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” The video seems inspired by another creator’s clip, where the audio and visuals were intentionally mismatched for comedic or aesthetic effect. While reusing such ideas is not inherently wrong, certain parts of CORTIS’s video have been deemed controversial.
Early in the clip, Martin can be seen making hand gestures. Some netizens argued that these motions resemble gang signs associated with the American street gang, the Crips—a group notorious for criminal activities such as drug trafficking and violent crimes. Critics claim that adopting symbols linked to street life without understanding their context constitutes “Black cosplay” and trivializes the real-world dangers tied to such signs.
In response, some fans defended the group, asserting that Martin’s gesture was actually meant to form a heart and that the members were merely following a trending online challenge popular among teenagers. The debate continues to highlight the ongoing tension between cultural appreciation, influence, and appropriation in the global K-pop industry.
Sources: Koreaboo
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