The NBA All-Star Weekend is known for bringing together sports and entertainment, but this year’s event in Los Angeles made history with a groundbreaking moment for K-pop. Rookie boy band CORTIS stepped onto the court at the Kia Forum on February 13 and delivered a halftime performance that had the crowd on their feet. The five-member group became the first K-pop act ever to headline the halftime show at the prestigious Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game .
The group, consisting of members Martin, James, Joo-hoon, Seong-hyun, and Geon-ho, transformed the basketball court into their own concert stage. When the host introduced them as a “K-pop sensation that caused a storm on the Billboard charts,” the arena erupted with cheers that reportedly drowned out the noise made during actual scoring plays . The rookie group performed their high-energy tracks “GO!” and “FaSHioN” .
What made this moment even more special was seeing how the crowd reacted. Video footage from the event showed fans inside the arena singing along to the choruses, proving that CORTIS’s music has already found an audience far beyond their home country . The performance was part of a busy weekend for the group, who also headlined the NBA Crossover Concert Series at the Los Angeles Convention Center the same day .
From Rookie Sensation to NBA Stage
CORTIS debuted only recently, on August 18, 2025, under Big Hit Music, the same agency that manages global superstars BTS . They released their first EP, “Color Outside the Lines,” on September 8, 2025, and have been on a fast track to international recognition ever since .
Their invitation to perform at NBA All-Star Weekend didn’t come out of nowhere. Last month, the group was named “Friends of the NBA,” a program that enlists global celebrities and influencers to help promote the league across different regions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific area . This partnership opened the door for their historic appearance at one of the NBA’s biggest events of the year.
Before their halftime show, CORTIS performed a longer set at the NBA Crossover Concert Series. During that show, they treated fans to a variety of songs including “What You Want,” “Joy Ride,” and the soundtrack song “Mention Me” from the upcoming animated film “GOAT” . But the biggest surprise came when they performed a completely new, unreleased track called “YOUNGCREATORCREW” during their encore . This strategic move gave the international audience a first listen to what’s coming next from the group.
Special Moments Beyond the Performance
The NBA All-Star experience for CORTIS went beyond just performing. After their concert at the convention center, the members attended the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks game nearby at the Crypto.com Arena . During the broadcast, local commentators couldn’t hide their excitement about the group. One commentator was overheard saying, “CORTIS is our number one favorite K-pop group. Our rankings changed the moment we saw the members in person.” This clip quickly spread across social media, adding to the buzz surrounding the group .
The NBA and Billboard both highlighted CORTIS’s performances on their official social media channels, giving the rookie group even more exposure . Fans at the concert shared their thoughts in videos that circulated online. One fan stated, “I came here just to see CORTIS,” while another praised their “passion and energy that make it burn.” A different fan pointed out their “unique charm that sets it apart from existing K-pop” .
New Music and What’s Coming
The introduction of “YOUNGCREATORCREW” during their NBA Crossover set was a clever move. According to their agency, the song is set for release next month and will be part of CORTIS’s upcoming album . The members participated in writing the song, creating lyrics that capture their identity with the phrase “Young Creator Crew” .
“Mention Me,” the soundtrack song they performed, was officially released on music platforms worldwide on February 13 . The track falls into the trap genre with a powerful bass sound. The members drew inspiration from the protagonist of the animated film “GOAT” to contribute to both the songwriting and composition. The lyrics talk about earning respect from those who once underestimated them .
The film “GOAT” itself is a major Hollywood project from the team behind “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which won two Golden Globe Awards. NBA superstar Stephen Curry is also involved as a producer, making the connection between CORTIS and the basketball world even more meaningful .
Game Highlights and Star-Studded Lineup
The celebrity game itself was packed with familiar faces from sports, music, and entertainment. Team Giannis, coached by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo along with his brothers Thanasis and Alex, took on Team Anthony coached by actor-comedian Anthony Anderson .
Rome Flynn earned MVP honors for the second straight year, scoring 17 points to lead Team Giannis to a 65-58 victory . Former NBA center Tacko Fall, standing at 7-foot-6, dominated for the losing team with 20 points .
The roster of players was incredibly diverse. Actor Keegan-Michael Key, rappers GloRilla and Badshah, producer Mustard, and former NBA player Jeremy Lin all took the court . NFL stars Amon-Ra St. Brown and Keenan Allen showed off their basketball skills alongside Brazilian soccer legend Cafu . Social media creators like Cody Jones from Dude Perfect and Jenna Bandy also participated .
Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang, playing in his third celebrity game, garnered some of the loudest screams from the crowd, especially after scoring back-to-back baskets in the first quarter . Los Angeles Chargers star Keenan Allen hit a long four-point shot that sparked a flurry of points for Team Anthony in the second quarter .
The coaching staff was equally star-studded, including Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts and well-known basketball trainers Lethal Shooter and Chris Brickley . After the game, Jeremy Lin credited Betts for giving an inspiring halftime speech, saying, “He definitely knows a lot about basketball” .
Also Read:
Setting a New Standard
For a rookie group that hasn’t even celebrated their first anniversary yet, headlining such a major international event is no small feat. CORTIS debuted just six months ago but has already made waves on the Billboard charts and now on one of American sports’ biggest stages . Their ability to draw a crowd that transcended “race, gender, and age” at the NBA Crossover Concert Series, which sold out completely, shows their growing global appeal .
The group’s presence at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game halftime show represents a shift in how K-pop is being integrated into mainstream American events. While other K-pop acts have performed at NBA games before, none had been given the headline spot during the celebrity game halftime .
With their new album expected in April and the continued support from both their agency and partners like the NBA, CORTIS is building momentum for what could be a very busy 2026 . Their historic performance at the Kia Forum will likely be remembered as the moment this rookie group truly arrived on the international stage.
Also Read: ATEEZ Scores Triple Crown With ‘Adrenaline’ After Securing First-Ever ‘Music Core’ Win
For more exciting updates on your favorite stars and exclusive entertainment coverage, keep reading VvipTimes.
Sources: Daum | OSEN
