How BTS became the role-models they always needed: Guiding TXT, CORTIS and cheering new K-Pop stars

‘BTS became the seniors they never had'

It’s a common ARMY sentiment, when you scroll through the newsfeed. And through the collections of numerous photos, instances, from BTS cheering on TXT, supporting them at their performances, to giving advice to the new band, Cortis, you realise there’s much merit in the statement. As fans have now earnestly documented, BTS didn't have so many seniors to look up to, when they debuted in 2013.

As Big Hit’s new band Cortis, consisting of Martin, James, Juhun, Seonghyeon, and Gunho — officially debuted on the afternoon of August 18 at the Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan, Seoul, they weighed in on the legacy of being BTS and TXT’s juniors. However, as they maintained, they are channeling that pressure into responsibility and growth. Leader Martin said, “Having such impressive seniors makes us more responsible in our practice. We will show a good side to everyone.”

 Juhun admitted the pressure is real but expressed gratitude: “It would be a lie to say there is no pressure, but I feel grateful to debut under the Big Hit label. In a way, it is rare for a rookie like us to be given overall album production authority, so I feel thankful and will work harder to be a diligent CORTIS.”

 But what really stands out is the guidance from their seniors. Seonghyeon shared, “We had the opportunity to meet our seniors from HYBE, BTS, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. I was really grateful for the support from the BTS seniors, who wished us well, and we had the chance to show our stage to TOMORROW X TOGETHER seniors. Their realistic feedback was very helpful.”

 On specifics, Seonghyeon added, “They provided detailed feedback about changing our expression for each performance and about our facial expressions.”

 Even Martin took a personal nugget of wisdom from BTS: “I met the BTS seniors at J-Hope's concert. Among the advice they gave me was, 'Always appreciate the things you enjoy and don't take them for granted.' I have been very thankful for that advice.”

 It’s an often shared video on Twitter, of late: J-Hope wishing the girls of IVE well, and promising to cheering them on. In the video, he laughs, cheers and sets them at ease, and makes references to the film Kpop Demon Hunters, as they keep bowing.

 In another video, J-Hope wishes the members of Boynextdoor well, complimenting them, and motivating them.

 Moreover, this has always been BTS’s trademark, as even The Boyz once mentiond in 2019, apart from treating them with respect, BTS took photos with them, greeted them, complimented their stage and they were rather grateful.

From cheering on TXT and offering practical stage advice to supporting newer groups like IVE and Boynextdoor, BTS has cultivated a culture of mentorship within Big Hit and HYBE. As the ARMY often say, BTS truly became the seniors they always wanted to be, proving that in K-pop, legacy isn’t just measured in awards, but in the support you give to the next generation.