Rising boygroup CORTIS has been nominated for two awards at the MTV VMAs, in the Best New Artist and Best K-pop categories.

In the Best New Artist category, they will go up against international artists including Myles Smith, Malcolm Todd and Sienna Spiro. In the Best K-pop category, “REDRED,” the title track of CORTIS’ second mini album GREENGREEN, will compete with five other songs: “Swim” by BTS, “JUMP” by BLACKPINK, “Pinky Up” by KATSEYE, “SPAGETTI” by LE SSERAFIM (feat. j.hope of BTS) and “DREAM” by LISA.

An inclusion in either category makes CORTIS the first 5th generation K-pop group to receive an MTV VMA nomination. Not only that, but they fall far beyond the 2020 threshold for the 5th generation, receiving a nomination only a year after their debut. In comparison to the nominations of songs from BTS and BLACKPINK, who debuted in 2013 and 2016 respectively, for CORTIS to be recognised is a remarkable feat.

MTV is a leading music television network, and their Video Music Awards (VMAs) are regarded as one of the biggest music award shows in the United States. For any K-pop artist or song to receive a nomination is acknowledgement of a strong international presence. The list of past winners in the Best K-pop category in particular consists of global powerhouses BTS (2019-2021), LISA (2022, 2024, 2025) and Stray Kids (2023).

CORTIS have displayed that strong international presence in both chart results and activities. When their second mini album GREENGREEN was released, it topped the Billboard Top Albums chart and landed at number three on the Billboard 200. Following the album’s success, the group performed at Lollapalooza Chicago on August 1 and sold out the North America leg of their first world tour <PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN>, which concluded on August 16.

CORTIS debuted on August 18, 2025 with the single “What You Want.” Whether the group wins either category or not, having this list of achievements and competing with such popular artists internationally exactly a year into their career is a major success and an accolade within itself.

The MTV VMAs will take place on September 27, 2026, in Los Angeles. Winners are decided by audience voting, which is now open on the MTV VMA website.