The K-pop scene was hit with fresh controversy this week involving BTS‘s younger labelmate group CORTIS. Just days after the rookie boy group faced backlash over a controversial live broadcast, a new incident has sparked intense fan outrage. Reports surfaced claiming that members of CORTIS were allegedly chased and harassed by a group of individuals outside an Acai Bowl cafe in Seongsu-dong, a popular neighborhood in Seoul known for its trendy spots.
The incident has quickly become a major talking point among fans, with many expressing anger over the group’s safety. This situation adds to a tumultuous period for the BigHit Music rookie group, who have been under scrutiny following their recent comments during a live stream.
What Happened at the Acai Bowl Cafe in Seongsu?
According to multiple witness accounts circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Korean online communities, the members of CORTIS were visiting an Acai Bowl cafe in Seongsu-dong for what seemed like a private schedule or personal time. The situation reportedly took a turn when a crowd, allegedly including some overzealous individuals who might not necessarily be fans, began to chase and surround the members as they were leaving the establishment.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene where the group was mobbed, causing visible distress among the members. Videos and photos shared online show the members attempting to navigate through a tight crowd, with some appearing startled and uncomfortable. The situation reportedly escalated to the point where the members had to seek safety, with staff from the cafe and accompanying managers stepping in to create a barrier and escort them away from the area. The specific Acai Bowl location in Seongsu quickly became a hotspot for fans and onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse of the group, which inadvertently contributed to the dangerous situation.
Connecting the Dots: Recent CORTIS Live Broadcast Controversy
This latest incident comes on the heels of another controversy that has put CORTIS in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Just days earlier, the group found themselves at the center of a heated debate following a live broadcast. During the stream, members MARTIN and JAMES engaged in a conversation about dating, kissing, and marriage .
The discussion took a controversial turn when JAMES made a comment that was interpreted by some as implying the members had extensive personal experience with dating. He reportedly said, “Our experience is quite rich,” which led to a swift backlash from fans who felt such topics were inappropriate for idols to discuss publicly . MARTIN, who is 17, and JAMES, who is 20, also talked about concepts like “adults can kiss” and “five people dating at the same time,” which added fuel to the fire .
The situation during the live became so tense that their manager had to intervene, calling the members to urgently end the broadcast by citing a “scheduled schedule” . This incident alone divided the fanbase, with some criticizing the members for being careless and others defending them as just young people having a casual conversation .
Fan Reactions to Both Incidents
The combination of the live broadcast controversy and the cafe chasing incident has created a storm of reactions online. Fans are expressing a mix of anger, concern, and frustration.
Regarding the Seongsu-dong cafe incident, the dominant sentiment is outrage over the members’ safety. Many fans are pointing out that the chasing and crowding is a serious issue that puts the artists at risk. On social media, users are calling for stronger security measures from BigHit Music to protect CORTIS during their private time. Comments like “This is why idols can’t have normal moments” and “Protect CORTIS at all costs” are flooding fan pages.
The reaction to the earlier live broadcast is more divided. On one side, there are fans who believe MARTIN and JAMES made a mistake by discussing dating so openly. Some netizens commented that as rookies with a growing fanbase, they should be more cautious about their words during live streams . They felt the comments were “careless” and could harm the group’s image.
“I think the members got a bit too excited during the live broadcast, but they need to be more careful with their words in the future,” one netizen wrote on a popular online community .
On the other side, a large portion of the fandom has come to the members’ defense. These supporters argue that the “rich experience” comment was likely taken out of context or lost in translation. They suggest JAMES was probably referring to the group’s experience in answering fan questions or their performing experience, not their dating history . These fans stress that idols are also human beings in their 20s and deserve to have normal conversations without facing severe backlash.
“We should respect the idols’ private thoughts and understand that they are just young people,” a fan argued on social media, highlighting the need to separate an artist’s professional persona from their personal life .
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A Look at CORTIS: BTS’s Rookie Labelmates
CORTIS, often referred to as BTS‘s hoobae (junior) group, debuted under BigHit Music in 2025 and was quickly dubbed “monster rookies” by the media . They gained significant attention even before their debut as the first boy group to launch under the label since BTS. Their debut EP, Color Outside the Lines, showed strong initial performance, even entering the Billboard 200 chart, proving their global appeal .
The group, which includes members like MARTIN and JAMES, has been building a strong international fanbase, partially thanks to performances at major events like the AAA in Kaohsiung . This rapid rise to fame, however, brings immense scrutiny. Every action and word is analyzed, and as seen this week, the pressure of being in the spotlight can lead to intense public and fan reactions.
BigHit Music has not yet released an official statement regarding the Seongsu-dong chasing incident. Fans are eagerly waiting for the agency to address both the safety concerns raised by the cafe incident and the ongoing discourse surrounding the live broadcast. The coming days will be crucial for the agency to manage the situation and ensure the well-being of their newest stars.
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