The tour poster for CORTIS’ first tour “PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN” / Courtesy of BigHit Music
CORTIS’ “PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN” Tour Kicks Off Amidst Mixed Fan Reactions
K-Pop’s newest sensation, CORTIS, recently embarked on their highly anticipated first solo tour, “PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN,” kicking off at Incheon’s Inspire Arena on Saturday. While the group, just shy of their one-year debut anniversary, expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to hold a solo concert, promising an “unforgettable experience,” the initial show has unfortunately become a hot topic for reasons other than pure celebration.
Concert Runtime & Repetitive Setlist Spark Disappointment
Fans, who shelled out a significant 143,000 won (approximately $96 USD) for a ticket, quickly took to online forums and social media to voice their disappointment. The primary grievances revolved around the concert’s surprisingly short runtime and a notably repetitive setlist. Despite an initially announced two-hour show, the performance clocked in at only one hour and 40 minutes, leaving many feeling shortchanged. The absence of diverse costume changes throughout the event also added to the collective fan letdown.
A major point of contention was the setlist itself. CORTIS’s signature track, “REDRED,” was performed four times, while “YOUNGCREATORCREW” was played an astonishing five times. While some defended the group, pointing out that their limited discography is expected for a rookie act, critics quickly countered that other new groups often find creative ways to expand their concert offerings. This includes innovative rearrangements of existing songs, incorporating live band versions for a fresh sound, or even engaging fans with well-chosen cover songs, none of which were apparently utilized by CORTIS.
CORTIS / Courtesy of BigHit Music
A Unique Artistic Vision or Missed Opportunity?
However, the “PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN” concert was not without its advocates. A segment of the fandom argued that the minimalist approach, far from being a flaw, was a deliberate artistic choice. They suggested this format perfectly aligned with the tour’s unique title and successfully underscored CORTIS’s distinct, free-spirited identity, intentionally breaking away from traditional, elaborate K-Pop concert conventions. This perspective views the repetition and simplicity as a statement, rather than a shortcoming.
CORTIS’s Global Journey Continues
As the dust settles from the initial Korean leg, CORTIS is set to continue their “PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN” tour, bringing their unique concept to nine more cities. Fans across Toronto, New York, and Kanagawa, Japan, are among those eagerly awaiting their chance to experience CORTIS live, perhaps with renewed expectations or a deeper understanding of the tour’s intended message.
