Cortis ignites debate with bold track FaSHioN in Kpop scene
- Taein Lee
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
Sep 23, 2025
Taein Lee
HYBE’s rookie boy group Cortis has sparked one of the hottest debates in the K-pop scene with their newly released track FaSHioN. Built on a heavy trap sound reminiscent of Travis Scott and Playboi Carti, the song drew attention with lyrics such as “My T-shirt is five bucks, my pants cost 10,000 won” and “Dongmyo wassup?” The attempt to merge the aesthetics of foreign hip hop with uniquely Korean thrift fashion codes was striking, but the reaction quickly expanded beyond calling it refreshing.
Supporters praised the release as a breakthrough moment, claiming Cortis broke the mold of conventional idol music by placing raw hip hop sounds at the forefront. Critics, however, argued that the similarities were too blatant to ignore, pointing to Travis Scott’s FE!N and A$AP Rocky’s Praise The Lord as clear references that bordered on outright copying. At the center of the dispute lies the question of whether the song represents the successful Kpop adaptation of a global genre or a lack of originality.
The lyrics themselves became another source of division. The line “Even in pants that cost only 10,000 won, I create value worth millions” was praised as an anthem for Gen Z flex culture, with its message that personal confidence outweighs brand names. Yet skeptics dismissed it as a calculated gimmick, criticizing idols draped in luxury for invoking thrift shop aesthetics in what felt like working class cosplay. The tension highlighted the clash between interpreting the song as an authentic statement of self assurance or as hollow image consumption disguised as rebellion.
Among dedicated Kpop fans, the debate reached deeper questions of heritage. Some argued that Cortis inherited the raw and outspoken hip hop identity that BTS embraced in their early days, reimagined with a fifth generation twist. Others rejected this view, insisting the song lacked the resistance spirit and narrative that defined BTS’s beginnings and amounted instead to a trendy imitation.
In the end, the controversy surrounding FaSHioN reflects a broader question about expectations for Kpop today. Is the genre defined by unrestrained enthusiasm for experimentation, or by strict demands for originality? Regardless of the answer, the fact remains that with one track Cortis has already made a significant impact. The true legacy of FaSHioN may not be the song itself, but the fiery conversation it has ignited across the industry.
