CORTIS dominates charts as "YOUNGCREATORCREW" sparks viral “Youngkk” syndrome

CORTIS is setting a new milestone for 5th generation K-pop boy groups as the group continues its explosive rise across both global streaming charts and offline stages.

Following the massive success of title track "REDRED," CORTIS is continuing its rise with b side track "YOUNGCREATORCREW," which has sparked a viral “Youngkk” trend, a shortened nickname derived from the song’s title, among fans and Gen Z listeners alike.

According to Spotify, CORTIS surpassed 12.04 million monthly listeners as of May 23, marking one of the highest records ever achieved by a K-pop boy group following senior acts including BTS. The achievement places the rookie group within the all time top 3 among K-pop boy groups on the platform.

CORTIS also became the first rookie boy group to debut within the last five years to enter both Spotify’s global daily and weekly charts, maintaining its position for over a month. Their title track "REDRED" previously peaked at No. 36 on Spotify’s ‘Daily Top Songs Global’ chart while continuing to dominate major domestic charts.

As of May 23, the song had remained at No. 1 on Spotify Korea’s ‘Daily Top Songs’ chart for 26 consecutive days and on Apple Music Korea’s ‘Today’s Top 100’ chart for 29 consecutive days. It also topped Melon’s daily chart for five straight days.

The group further solidified its dominance by winning first place on 'Show! Music Core' on May 23 and 'Inkigayo' on May 24, completing a domestic music show grand slam and bringing their total trophy count to nine.

The popularity of "REDRED" has naturally extended to the album’s b-sides as well. In particular,
"YOUNGCREATORCREW" climbed to No. 18 on Spotify Korea and No. 4 on Apple Music Korea, showing remarkable chart power.

The track reflects the honest inner thoughts of the group’s five members regarding their identity as a “young creator crew,” a phrase that has become synonymous with the team. The song highlights the group’s collaborative approach to music, choreography, and video content creation while capturing the free spirited emotions of youth unwilling to be confined by conventional labels.

Now shortened by fans as “Youngkk,” the phrase has grown into both a cultural phenomenon and a Gen Z trend. The term is increasingly being used as a new slang expression representing today’s young and hip generation.

CORTIS recently appeared at several university festivals throughout May, including Dankook University on May 13, Hongik University on May 14, and Korea University on May 19, where tens of thousands of students were seen chanting “Youngkk” together in massive sing alongs.

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