“Black Cosplay” — Popular HYBE Group Under Fire For Alleged Cultural Appropriation

The connection between K-Pop and Black music is something that is entirely undeniable. Along with many K-Pop songs being from genres created by Black artists, especially Black Americans, Black songwriters can be found in the credits of many artists’ tracklists.

#Innnncomiiiiiing📢

WayV Winter Special Album
【白色定格 (Eternal White)】
12/8 🔊🔊🔊🔊#WayV #威神V #白色定格#WayV_EternalWhite pic.twitter.com/j7M0FrtGbv

— DEM JOINTZ (@demjointz) November 17, 2025

Because of this connection, cultural appropriation sometimes happens, with idols inappropriately use features of other cultures as an aesthetic.

Recently, a member of boy group CORTIS has been criticized over his alleged appropriation.

CORTIS | HYBE

From their debut, CORTIS’s music style has leaned towards hip-hop, as seen in several of the members own personal interests and styling as well.

On December 24, the group posted a Christmas themed video, featuring the members dressed in streetwear while “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” plays. The video was likely inspired by another creator’s video, where the music didn’t match the vibes and actions of the people in it.

CORTIS Instagram Update 📸

“it’s beginning 🎄” pic.twitter.com/VNNDo1L11o

— CORTIS CRAVE (@cortis_crave) December 24, 2025

When the music video doesn’t match the song part 2😂😂😂 @loveliveserve

♬ original sound – Theo Wisseh

While using the idea is not inherently wrong, parts of CORTIS’s version have been deemed problematic.

Near the beginning of the video, Martin can be seen making motions with his hands.

Netizens have claimed that part of his actions are actual gang signs associated with the American street gang Crips. The Crips is one of the most infamous street gangs in America, with its members being found guilty of murder, drug trafficking and other crimes.

Tyrone White, a former Crip gang member who currently works with an alcoholism treatment center. | Insider

The appropriation of aspects of street life and music with a lack of understanding the weight of the actions, and the dangers they can cause, was one of the criticisms directed at the group. Netizens also accused the group of “Black cosplay.”

so why are we cosplaying…nvm yall not gone give a fuck just picking and choosing https://t.co/j73AtoVHBd pic.twitter.com/Uly40ynyqp

— jas ✧ (@wavesoflix) December 24, 2025

the crip gang sign?!! kpop idols are ridiculous bro😭 https://t.co/bHeZpIIeID

— 🧚🏾 (@usernmik) December 24, 2025

cortis choosing to mock black culture on a day about loving one another despite differences honestly shows how their racism has no bounds. https://t.co/aIErex3HoG

— ̤̮ (@garfickle) December 24, 2025

Some have spoken up in the group’s defense, saying that Martin actually made a heart and that they were just teenage boys doing a trend that has been popular online.

a heart btw pic.twitter.com/6csGYOCHNb https://t.co/uFlDW0ZP1u

— myles ★ (@prodjuhoon) December 25, 2025

now go onto any other teenagers tiktok and i bet u theyre posting the same exact shit omg just unclench pic.twitter.com/iLiJEFOv84 https://t.co/gLHoMRvJtJ

— mai 🍭😊 (@osamaseong) December 24, 2025

it’s always let boys be boys till teenage boys do teenage boy things YALL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EVERYTHING https://t.co/MgfUJk6Hfr pic.twitter.com/Bc0IHrU15A

— kori (@juhooqns) December 24, 2025