James (CORTIS)

Biography

James was born James Lee (Korean name: Lee Jae-min / 이재민) on July 11, 2007. He was raised in an overseas environment before moving to South Korea, giving him a multicultural background and strong English fluency from a young age.

Growing up, James showed a natural inclination toward movement and rhythm. He began dancing early, participating in school showcases, dance clubs, and local performances. Unlike many idols who initially focus on vocals, James’ first passion was dance, particularly hip-hop and contemporary styles.

His early exposure to global pop culture and K-pop performances inspired him to pursue professional training. After relocating to South Korea, James auditioned for major entertainment companies and was eventually accepted into BigHit Music, where his sharp dance lines and adaptability quickly stood out.

Career

Training and Development Era

During his trainee period, James became known for his discipline and rapid improvement. Trainers often praised his:

• Strong musical interpretation
• Clean execution of choreography
• Ability to adapt to multiple dance genres

Over time, he expanded his skill set beyond dance, developing stable vocals and improved rap delivery. His multilingual ability also positioned him as a key communicator for global fans during pre-debut content.

Debut with CORTIS (2025)

James officially debuted as a member of CORTIS on August 18, 2025, with the group’s debut single What You Want, followed by the EP COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES.

Within the group, James holds the role of:

• Main Dancer
• Sub Vocalist
• Performance Center (frequent)

His sharp stage presence and confident expressions quickly attracted attention, with many fans praising him as one of the group’s standout performers. James is often highlighted in dance breaks and visually dynamic sections of CORTIS performances.

As CORTIS gained momentum throughout late 2025, James emerged as a fan-favorite for live stages, fancams, and international interviews.

Relationships & Personal Life

James keeps his personal life private and has not confirmed any romantic relationships. He is known among fans for his friendly personality, humor, and approachable demeanor.

He maintains close relationships with his CORTIS members, often described as a mood-maker within the group. His overseas background allows him to naturally bridge cultural gaps, especially during global promotions and fan interactions.

Outside of music, James has expressed interest in:

• Fashion styling
• Street dance culture
• Photography and visual aesthetics

Controversies & Challenges

Reaction Controversies

On January 10, the Golden Disc Awards were held in Taiwan, celebrating a standout year for K-pop with top stars such as Jennie, IVE, Stray Kids, LE SSERAFIM, ALLDAY PROJECT, and CORTIS in attendance. A short clip that went viral on X showed NCT WISH’s Riku dancing to EXO’s Love Shot, but attention quickly shifted to James (CORTIS), whose pursed lips and furrowed brows sparked controversy. Many netizens felt his expression appeared mocking and inappropriate for a major awards show, especially toward a senior artist.

The backlash intensified as fans recalled a similar incident at the AAA late last year, where James was criticized for exaggerated facial reactions during Ahyeon’s live performance. While some defended his reactions as unintentional, others questioned rookie idols’ on-camera etiquette, noting how easily brief expressions can be misinterpreted at high-profile events.

Livestream Controversies

During the broadcast, the members responded openly to fans’ questions about love and relationships. Martin and James drew criticism after saying that “kissing is normal for adults” and joking that “it would be fun if all five members dated at the same time.” James further surprised viewers by adding, “We actually have quite a lot of experience.”

The comments quickly spread on social media, with some fans interpreting James’ remark as implying personal dating experience — a sensitive topic in K-pop idol culture. As the conversation appeared to spiral, the group’s manager reportedly called during the livestream and asked the members to end it, citing an upcoming schedule.

Discography & Activities

Discography