A live performance by Martin, leader of rookie K-pop group CORTIS, has taken social media by storm after he covered BIGBANG’s classic hit Haru Haru. The video, recorded during an appearance on Lee Mujin’s music show, has quickly gone viral, racking up millions of views and drawing tens of thousands of comments from astonished fans. On Lee Mujin’s official Instagram alone, the video has reached nearly 5 million views.
Martin, originally known for his rapping skills, shocked viewers with his strong, rich vocals and emotional delivery. What made the performance even more impactful was his choice of song. Haru Haru is not just any K-pop track—it’s a generational anthem released in 2008, the same year Martin was born.
Netizens were stunned to see a Gen Z rapper perform a song as old as he is, sparking a wave of admiration across generations. Many praised the unique bridge between eras, calling it a symbolic moment where K-pop’s iconic past meets its promising future.
Martin is currently the leader of CORTIS, one of the hottest new groups in K-pop. Beyond leadership, he is also involved in the creative direction of the group—songwriting, producing, and shaping their musical identity from the start. With his striking visuals, towering height (nearly 190cm), and natural stage charisma, Martin has already captured the attention of fans and critics alike. His musical intellect and artistic ability have only added to his growing reputation.
His potential as a visionary was notably displayed during his performance at MAMA 2025, where he made headlines for making music live on stage. Rather than performing a pre-produced track, Martin crafted sound and structure live in front of the audience, showcasing a rare blend of production skills and stage control—especially impressive for an idol not yet 20.
This moment reminded many fans of G-DRAGON in his early days. Both are group leaders, known for shaping their group’s artistic identity and being hands-on in music production. G-DRAGON famously brought full equipment on stage to produce music live—an iconic move still remembered in K-pop history. Martin’s performances evoke similar energy and artistry, prompting discussions about him potentially following in the footsteps of such legends.
Martin’s Haru Haru cover has since become more than just a viral clip—it sparked a broader conversation about generational continuity in K-pop. It highlighted how the music of the past can be revived and reimagined by the new wave of artists. With his current momentum, Martin—and CORTIS—are not just being labeled as “promising rookies,” but are steadily carving out a solid place in the ever-evolving K-pop landscape.
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