Martin (CORTIS)

Biography

Martin’s birth name is Martin Edwards, also known by his Korean name Park Woo-joo (박우주). He was born on March 20, 2008, in Canada, and holds Korean-Canadian nationality. Raised in a multicultural environment, Martin grew up bilingual, which later became a strong asset in his global K-pop career.

During his childhood, Martin showed an early passion for music and performance. He participated in school choirs and public cultural events, gaining confidence on stage long before entering the entertainment industry. One notable early experience was his participation in an international ceremonial event as a child, which reportedly inspired his dream of becoming a performer.

After returning to South Korea, Martin pursued formal training in music and performance, eventually joining BigHit Music, where his creative abilities quickly set him apart from other trainees.

Career

Early Songwriting and Production Era (2024–Early 2025)

Before officially debuting as an idol, Martin gained attention within the industry as a songwriter and producer. Despite his young age, he contributed to songs for several high-profile K-pop artists under the HYBE umbrella. His early work showcased strong melodic instincts, modern pop sensibilities, and emotional storytelling.

This behind-the-scenes experience helped establish Martin as more than just a trainee — he was already recognized as a creative contributor.

Breakthrough as CORTIS Leader (2025)

Martin officially debuted on August 18, 2025, as the leader of CORTIS, a new boy group launched by BigHit Music. The group debuted with the digital single What You Want, followed by their debut EP COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES.

Martin’s leadership style — calm, articulate, and creativity-driven — earned praise from fans and industry observers alike. His role extended beyond performance, as he actively participated in songwriting, concept planning, and artistic direction.

By the end of 2025, CORTIS had emerged as one of the most talked-about rookie boy groups of the year.

Relationships & Personal Life

Martin keeps his personal life relatively private. He has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, choosing instead to focus on his career and group activities.

Family-wise, he is known to come from a supportive household, with a Korean mother and Canadian father. This multicultural background has influenced his worldview and artistic perspective.

In interviews, Martin has cited senior K-pop artists — particularly leaders known for musical involvement — as major inspirations, emphasizing his desire to grow as both an idol and a creator.

Controversies & Challenges

As a high-profile rookie under a major entertainment company, Martin has faced intense scrutiny from the public and online communities. Discussions around his rapid rise, leadership role at a young age, and creative involvement have sparked debate — a common challenge for fast-rising idols.

However, Martin and his agency have maintained a composed and professional approach, avoiding public conflicts and focusing on consistent output and improvement. To date, he has not been involved in any major scandals, and his image remains largely positive.

Discography & Song Credits