The rising BigHit Music rookie group CORTIS (Martin, James, Juhun, Sunghyun, Gunho) is already proving themselves to be more than just performers. On August 26 at 9 PM KST, the group unveiled the original self-produced version of their debut title track “What You Want” on their official YouTube channel.
Unlike the polished, director-led official MV released earlier on August 20, this version carries an even more personal touch: the members themselves handled everything from concept and filming to editing—without professional assistance.
A Story Told Through Dreams
“What You Want” carries the message of boldly pursuing one’s true desires. CORTIS interpreted this theme through the metaphor of dreams, weaving a surreal narrative where locations change each time the members lie down or wake up. From lying in bed to sprawling on city streets, each scene adds unpredictability to the visual experience.
Fans were impressed by experimental shots like a camera zooming into a member’s mouth, rapid scene cuts, and exaggerated reactions that keep the viewer constantly engaged. The result is a raw yet creative visual piece that captures the youthful, experimental spirit of Gen Z artistry.
From Self-Made to Official Release
Interestingly, this original version served as the blueprint for the official MV. CORTIS were not only involved in generating ideas but also worked alongside professional directors during production, earning themselves credits as co-directors. This rare level of involvement from rookies underscores their identity as a true “Young Creator Crew.”
Fans are now enjoying the process of comparing the raw, member-directed video with the polished official release, appreciating how much of the group’s creative DNA shaped the final product.
A Generation Built on Video
CORTIS shared through BigHit Music that making videos feels natural to them:
“Since we grew up watching and filming videos on our phones, it was only natural to think, ‘Why don’t we add visuals to our own music?’”
They also revealed that they had already created self-made MVs for every track on their debut album, hinting that fans may get to see more of their homegrown visual projects in the future.
Even during their trainee days, the five members exchanged knowledge about editing software, filming each other with camcorders and phones. These habits reflect the digital-native instincts of today’s teenagers, who are as fluent in video as they are in music and dance.
By taking control of their own visual storytelling, CORTIS is setting themselves apart in the competitive K-pop landscape, blending performance, songwriting, and video production into a complete creative package.
What’s Next for CORTIS
Fans won’t have to wait long for more behind-the-scenes content. On August 27 at 9 PM KST, CORTIS will release the official commentary video for “What You Want,” where they’ll reveal how their self-produced film influenced the final MV and share behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot.
With this bold display of creativity, CORTIS isn’t just debuting—they’re redefining what it means to be K-pop’s next-generation idols.
Article Source: 정하은 기자, JTBC 엔터뉴스팀, “코르티스, 100% 자체 제작 ‘What You Want’ 뮤비 공개,” 2025-08-27.
Alt Text: CORTIS members posing together in a promotional group photo.
Caption: CORTIS, BigHit Music’s rookie group, in a promotional group photo.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons – CORTIS
