HYBE’s rising K-pop group CORTIS faced backlash after posting on social media about their inclusion in the Lollapalooza Chicago lineup. On March 17, the festival revealed its performers, which included CORTIS alongside BLACKPINK’s Jennie, aespa, and i-dle. The group tweeted, “Lollapalooza Wassup! Chicago Wassup!” which drew immediate criticism.
Many netizens argued that the tone and phrasing of the post were insensitive, reigniting long-standing debates about cultural appropriation. Since debuting, CORTIS has been accused of adopting elements of Black culture in ways some consider exploitative, often referred to as “Black Cosplay.” The tweet was viewed by critics as a continuation of this pattern.
Fans and observers expressed frustration, pointing out that the group’s messaging failed to reflect cultural awareness, and some called for greater responsibility from both the members and their management. The controversy underscores broader discussions in K-pop about representation, appropriation, and how artists communicate with international audiences.
