CORTIS, KATSEYE, and GIRLSET Celebrate Inclusion in Billboard's '21 Under 21'

CORTIS, a boy group under Big Hit Music, KATSEYE, a global group formed through HYBE's Dream Academy, and GIRLSET, a girl group from JYP Entertainment, have made a significant mark by being featured in Billboard's coveted 21 Under 21 list for 2026. Released on July 31, the announcement highlights the most innovative artists under 21, showcasing their impressive impact on the music industry through sales, streaming, and their growing influence.

CORTIS stands out as the only K-pop boy group named this year. Billboard recognized them as one of the fastest-growing pop groups on the charts, praising their rapid ascent. Their debut album, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, notably peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200, while their recent mini-album GREENGREEN debuted at number 3 just this past May. The title track REDRED maintained its presence on the Global 200 and Global (Excluding U.S.) charts for an impressive 13 weeks.

In an interview with Billboard, CORTIS member Seong-hyun expressed his disbelief at their accomplishments, stating, "To see our first EP on the Billboard 200 and the second EP reaching number 3 still feels like a dream. I am genuinely grateful that our music is reaching out to more people beyond where it started."

KATSEYE has also cemented its place in the music landscape with multiple successful releases this year, including Internet Girl, Pinky Up, and the collaboration Iconic by Mistake with LE SSERAFIM, all rising onto the Billboard Hot 100. Their innovative approach and diverse musical style have resonated well with audiences, further validating their inclusion in the prestigious list.

Meanwhile, GIRLSET, recently reformed into a four-member group, has partnered with acclaimed hip-hop artist Juicy J on their track Little Miss, showcasing their commitment to artistic growth and innovation in their musical creations.

Billboard noted the remarkable emphasis on authenticity from this year’s selected artists, stating that their approach is proving to be a successful strategy. As CORTIS, KATSEYE, and GIRLSET continue to gain traction and recognition, they embody the future of K-POP on the global stage, paving the way for even more stellar achievements.

With their recent accolades and numerous performances, including a future North American tour and a debut anniversary show in Seoul, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for these rising talents. CORTIS will continue their journey on August 4th, kicking off a tour across six cities in North America.