“Some people want this, some people want that

나도 똑같아 십칠년 평생 [Same here, all seventeen years of my life]

쫓았었던 love, 쫓았었던 fame [Chased after love, chased after fame]

So now, I want the whole world to know my name” 

These lyrics from CORTIS member Martin capture a feeling that resonates with many young artists: a desire to leave their mark on the world. Coming from an industry often known for strictly controlled concepts and tightly managed lives, Martin’s sentiment of wanting to stand out highlights a significant uniqueness. 

As K-pop continues to be a major part of worldwide media, the era of its fifth generation has begun. Through groups like CORTIS and LNGSHOT, the traditional formula of K-pop is being challenged. 

The members of these two groups are deeply involved in the creative process behind their music: writing lyrics, choreographing dances, and even producing beats. Every song in CORTIS’s debut album, Color Outside the Lines, had some sort of member influence. For example,  “What You Want”, “JoyRide”, and “Lullaby” are all songs produced by Martin. 

“The lyrics of the song “What You Want” are really relatable. It feels like a song about youth,” said senior Flora Tan. 

These groups’ songs reflect their own feelings, experiences, and personalities, creating authentic and relatable music. For many fans, that personal touch is exactly what makes them resonate so heavily with these groups’ songs. 

In an interview with Weverse Magazine, CORTIS member James described the group’s collaborative creative process. He talked about how each member contributes something different to the group’s work. 

“We usually end up thinking and discussing a lot,” James said. “Someone looking from the outside might think we’re just messing around or that we’ve got no structure, but some of the ideas we come up with while messing around actually end up being used for performances or elsewhere. For example, the five of us choreographed ‘GO!’ in a studio in LA in just a couple of days and shot it right away.” 

James also discussed how the group develops their songs: “We focused on key ideas like the emotions we’re feeling, the situations we find ourselves in, and the things we want to say.” 

LNGSHOT takes a similar approach. The members are credited as arrangers, composers, and lyricists on nearly all of their songs, allowing them to shape both the sound and message of their music. For example, their song “Backseat” reflects the group’s mindset of persistence and ambition. Lyrics “They don’t see the work it takes… I’ve been taking my time and never hit the brakes,” and “Won’t ever take a backseat though / We gon’ make ’em see” emphasize the dedication and determination behind their music. 

“I think my favorite song from LNGSHOT is “Moonwalkin”. It really showcases the members unique voices and skills. But it’s kind of crazy they’re so talented because they’re so young,” said Tan. 

This style of involvement helps explain why many fans feel a strong connection to groups like CORTIS and LNGSHOT. Instead of following a rigid concept designed entirely by their company, these artists shape their own musical identity. Together, groups like CORTIS and LNGSHOT represent a shift within K-pop. By contributing to the songwriting, choreography, and production behind their music, they are helping redefine what it means to be a K-pop idol.