Can CORTIS break the K-pop mold with first world tour 'Put Your Phone Down?'

"Put your phone down." That is the title of boy group CORTIS' (Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho) first world tour, which kicks off with two concerts at Inspire Arena in Incheon this weekend.

At first glance, the phrase appears to discourage fans from recording cherished moments on their smartphones during the show.

But the tour poster, which features the members headbanging so intensely that their faces are barely visible, conveys a different message: Stop filming and join the fun.

Approaching the first anniversary of its Aug.

18 debut last year, CORTIS has consistently resisted being confined to the traditional image of a K-pop idol group.

Both of the group's EPs — "Color Outside the Lines" and "GREENGREEN" — are rooted in rage hip-hop while incorporating elements of alternative R&B and other contemporary global music trends.

Rather than pursuing safe mainstream appeal, the group has embraced experimentation.

Its lyrics, including playful lines such as "Protect your knees / Cover your butt" from "REDRED," also stand apart from conventional K-pop songwriting with their qu ...