Netizens strike up a debate about CORTIS's recent TikTok 'copying gang aesthetics'
AKP STAFF
Posted by Solim-Yoon Friday, December 26, 2025 11,478
A recent TikTok posted by Big Hit Music's rookie boy group CORTIS has struck up a debate among global and Korean K-Pop fans.
The video, posted on Christmas Day, showed the members of CORTIS celebrating Christmas to "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" sung by Bing Crosby.
Upon seeing the video, some netizens claimed that CORTIS seemed to be "copying American gang aesthetics", Many others questioned whether or not the aesthetics depicted in the video amounted to "mocking black culture". Still, some others felt that the K-Pop group was merely "copying another viral video".
"They should really not copy anything that may be perceived as culturally inappropriate.."
"Regardless of the intentions, they really should not be doing that. Especially copying gang signs."
"I'd like to see all those HYBE stans who were going after Tarzzan coming out to see what they have to say about their own idols."
"I don't really know if this is racist but honestly K-Pop idols should not be copying gang aesthetics in the first place."
"This might not have become such a big deal if it weren't for the fact that the HYBE fans were the ones who went overboard trashing Tarzzan. What are they gonna do now.."
"I'm confused about how it's mocking black culture if the video that they followed mostly has people who look like Latin Americans in it..?"
"But that 'W' sign is something they've been doing since 'What You Want'.. I don't really think they're trying to mimic a gang sign."
"I don't know them that well but why does it feel like I only ever see these boys doing these kinds of TikToks? Aren't they K-Pop idols? Do they ever upload any videos of themselves singing or dancing?"
"Yeah you can see how they're going a little too far these days with their American aesthetics. They're a K-Pop group, they should try to be more K-Pop."
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