Cortis Makes History as First K-Pop Group to Headline NBA All-Star 2026

Cortis Makes K-Pop History at NBA All-Star 2026

In an unprecedented milestone for the K-pop industry, the boy band Cortis has become the first group of its kind to headline an NBA All-Star event. The band took center stage at the NBA Crossover Concert Series held at the Los Angeles Convention Center during the festivities of NBA All-Star 2026.

A Historic Performance

On February 12, the rookie boy band Cortis opened the multi-night Crossover concert series as the headlining act, aligning their performance with other notable events such as the All-Star Celebrity Game and various skills competitions. This concert series is part of the NBA’s official entertainment schedule, showcasing a blend of music and sports.

Star-studded Lineup

Cortis shared the stage with acclaimed artists like hip-hop legend Ludacris and innovative performer Shaboozey. This diverse lineup exemplifies the NBA’s commitment to presenting a wide array of musical genres during the All-Star Weekend, as highlighted by Korea JoongAng Daily.

A Dynamic Setlist

According to BigHit Music, Cortis performed their debut single “What You Want, ”along with fan favorites like “FaSHioN”, “JoyRide”, and the new track “Mention Me, ”which is linked to the forthcoming Sony Pictures Animation sports comedy film titled “GOAT.”Audiences were particularly responsive during the encore, featuring the unreleased song “YOUNGCREATORCREW, ”a piece that members contributed to create.

Strengthening Ties with the NBA

Earlier in January, the NBA recognized Cortis as “Friends of the NBA, ”formalizing their partnership to enhance the league’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative, as reported by the NBA, signifies a broader strategy to connect basketball programming with influential pop culture icons and engage social media-driven fan communities.

Profile of Cortis

Comprising five talented members—James, Juhoon, Martin, Seonghyeon, and Keonho—Cortis is a product of BigHit Music, marking the agency’s first boy band debut in six years. The name “Cortis”is derived from the slogan “Color Outside the Lines, ”reflecting the group’s artistic vision and branding philosophy.

What’s Next for Cortis?

Following their groundbreaking performance at the All-Star event, BigHit Music announced that Cortis is currently in the process of developing a new album, which will feature “YOUNGCREATORCREW.”This concert has not only showcased their talent but also plays a pivotal role in the promotional journey for their upcoming release, as reported by KProfiles.

To relive the electric atmosphere of their performance, watch the concert highlights here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8ZV_2BaoBM

CORTIS 2026 Ruffles All-Star Celebrity Game Halftime Performance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8ZV_2BaoBM)

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