After 6 years since TXT’s debut, CORTIS became the third boy group launched by Big Hit Music, immediately leaving a strong impression on fans as a true “young creator crew.” The group stands out from conventional K-pop acts by taking active roles in songwriting, production, choreography, and creative direction.
CORTIS consists of five talented members: James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, Keonho, and leader Martin. Among them, Martin has drawn particular attention for his versatility—showcasing strong vocals while also handling rap, all while earning praise for his dance sкιℓℓs.
Even more surprising is the fact that, despite being born in 2008, Martin already holds multiple credits on viral songs by well-known K-pop groups, including TXT (Deja Vu, Miracle, Beautiful Strangers), ENHYPEN (Outside), LE SSERAFIM (Pierrot), and ILLIT (Magnetic). Before officially debuting, Martin was already well-recognized among trainees for his ability to compose and propose production ideas.
This path closely mirrors that of BTS’s leader RM - Martin and CORTIS’s senior. More importantly, Martin himself has openly admitted that RM is the artist he admires the most—the very reason he dreamed of becoming an idol under Big Hit Music.
In an interview with Spotify, Martin confidently declared: "RM sunbae-nim from BTS! He’s the reason why I came into this company. There’s a lot I can learn from him as a leader. I respect him a lot.”
Notably, in a recent interview with W кσяєα, Martin elaborated further on his connection with RM, showing just how profoundly the BTS leader has shaped his mindset and direction as a group leader.
He began by recalling: "I’ve been deeply influenced by BTS’s leader, RM sunbaenim. I first got to know BTS thanks to my sister’s recommendation. I already loved music, but watching them gave me certainty about which company I wanted to join and what kind of music I wanted to make".
Then he got to the heart of it: "One day, RM sunbaenim told me, “When the members are exhausted, it’s the leader’s role to help bring their energy back up.” I’ve kept those words close to my heart ever since. I also can’t forget soмєтнing he once said in an interview I happened to watch: “The leader’s seat is just the farthest spot at the end of the trophy. Without the team, success could never have been achieved."
RM’s words helped the young idol grasp the true responsibilities of leadership—being the brain and backbone that uplifts the members and keeps the team’s fire alive. Furthermore, RM clarified the very nature of a leader’s position: “the farthest spot at the end of the trophy.”
A leader may stand at the front, but only as a representative—not as the sole owner of the spotlight. Success cannot exist without the team. Thus, humility and prioritizing collective growth over individual ego form the core values of leadership.
Over the years, RM’s leadership style—listening, sharing responsibilities, connecting members, and supporting them emotionally—has been repeatedly praised by BTS members themselves. Jin once shared: “He listens carefully to each of our opinions, then suggests and leads us to the best way/solution. He’s reliable and trustworthy.”
Jungkook affirmed: “RM is the starting point of the life that I lead today. He’s someone closest to me that I can learn a lot from.” Meanwhile, SUGA expressed both understanding and gratitude for the heavy burden RM carries as leader: “You carry a large burden as the leader. I always feel sorry, and always grateful for you.”
The correctness of RM’s leadership philosophy has been proven through BTS’s undeniable success across more than a decade. Today, whenever the group’s achievements are discussed—by members, fans, or media alike—the vital role of BTS’s leader is always acknowledged.
Standing in a similar position, Martin has embraced this philosophy as his compαѕѕ for guiding CORTIS toward success. Fans are delighted by how strongly RM has influenced him, and they cheer for Martin to fulfill his leadership role just as admirably as his legendary senior:
- This martin guy cant stop mentioning joon. I'm not complaining tho
- This is success, this is true impact, this is being a true leader, Kim Namjoon, congratulations, you did incredible, you showed that with effort and dedication everything is possible, you inspired the lives of millions of people to achieve their dreams
- He'll become a great leader, who can lead his team to success in the future. Namjoon bless you
- this guy from Cortis is talking about RM every two minutes, and I relate deeply
- RM’s whole “lead from the back” thing is beautiful, but yeah… real life’s messy. Not every team’s in sync or has mature fans. I just hope Martin & co. can keep that empathy + humility and still be firm about where they’re headed
- Hybe and Big Hit seem like you should be very grateful to RM, because RM is the reason why so many talented people joined the company. Every word RM utters is so beneficial to those around him. RM is the best leader ever. Yeahh he is the FATHER OF KPOP
- Namjoon gives advice it’s actually useful not just empty words and that’s exactly why I love him so much. Thanks to Martin for making Namjoon a role model hope you become an amazing leader for your own team.
