HYBE Boy Group’s Latest BTS Mention Triggers Mixed Reactions

CORTIS’s mention of BTS has once again become the center of heated debate. However, this time their statement has sparked disagreements among ARMYs themselves.

| BIGHIT MUSIC

During a recent performance, member Keonho mentioned that their stage took place at the same venue where BTS held their first-ever showcase in Japan, explaining that CORTIS wanted to begin their journey there as well.

건호 기특하게 아침방송 인터뷰하는거볼사람♡

BTS 선배님이 일본에서 처음으로 쇼케이스를 하셨던 장소라서 저희도 여기에서 시작하고 싶다고 생각했습니다! pic.twitter.com/eyYmd3Xpkx

— everyday honki (@mainichihonki) November 6, 2025

It’s the same venue where our BTS seniors held their very first showcase in Japan, so we thought we’d like to start here as well!

— CORTIS’s Keonho

While the remark seemed harmless, it quickly drew mixed reactions.

Some ARMYs took issue with the statement, arguing that CORTIS and BIGHIT MUSIC appear to be following BTS’s exact career path instead of carving out their own.

I love how much respect they are showing towards their seniors but they have to go their own way. they didnt debut under broke ass nugu bighit but a huge company. following bts footsteps wont bring them to the same destination. bts got huge bc of their uniqueness

— nin (@jjeonsdoll) November 6, 2025

It’s good that they are inspired by BTS, but I find it a bit murky that they try to follow the same step. I think they have a lot of talent, and I hope they forge their own path with originality like BTS did. I wish them all the best

— . (@Tatakim30la) November 7, 2025

Their marketing strategy: BTS
Bighit… we know you btch https://t.co/uennSWFxn6 pic.twitter.com/gTUzV6a3a4

— NinibethAV (@AvNinibeth) November 6, 2025

On the other hand, many fans came to CORTIS’s defense. They pointed out that the group has consistently shown nothing but respect toward BTS and that their words were being unfairly twisted.

say what you want but cortis have been nothing but genuine and respectful when it comes to bts. many of yall don't even know where bts did their first showcase in japan pls https://t.co/CQLRvsIb9s

— nish 🐾 (@aqusthv) November 6, 2025

first time seeing a fandom mad at their faves being praised and looked up to https://t.co/tSDncAy7B4

— ⁷ (@7ofaugustd) November 6, 2025

yall are being so weird towards a bunch of kids that have shown nothing but love, respect and admiration towards the tannies. https://t.co/EZXV2h0aJ4

— mich⁷ (@wishlistseok) November 6, 2025

if ppl dont mention them its “voldemort”, if ppl mention them >5 times its “hybe mediaplay”. so at the end of the day the boys cant even praise the tannies or pay homage without their actions being seen as a “business tactic” what do yall want? pic.twitter.com/bC7gKbsEAr https://t.co/yTvqEAOO0b

— aru day🧛🏽‍♀️ (@runprods) November 6, 2025

The moment has reignited ongoing conversations about how HYBE’s newer groups navigate the immense legacy of BTS, with fans once again debating where the line between tribute and imitation should be drawn.