World
K-pop star Cortis sparks debate over concert phone use
A plea by K-pop artist Cortis to restrict phone use during live performances has divided fans who are accustomed to recording shows.
A member of a K-pop group has sparked debate online after urging fans to put their mobile phones away during live performances. According to reporting by wire agencies, the artist, known as Cortis, made the plea in an effort to address growing concerns surrounding concert etiquette.
The intervention has highlighted a growing tension between artists seeking direct engagement and a fanbase heavily invested in documenting live experiences. While some concertgoers have welcomed the call for greater presence during shows, others within the fandom have reacted with disappointment or skepticism.
Details regarding the specific K-pop group Cortis represents, as well as the exact event where the comments were made, remain unconfirmed in initial reports. It is also unclear whether the comments were delivered during a live performance, through a social media broadcast, or in an interview.
The practice of recording entire live sets has become a cornerstone of modern fan culture, particularly within the highly digitalised K-pop community. Fans frequently share high-definition footage, known as "fancams", to support their favourite artists and build online communities. This practice means any restriction on phone use is met with significant resistance.
While some international artists have previously implemented phone bans or requested limited recording, such pleas remain rare in the K-pop industry, where fan-generated content drives global visibility. Industry analysts note that balancing fan satisfaction with artist comfort continues to be a delicate challenge for entertainment agencies.
It remains to be seen whether other K-pop artists will echo Cortis's sentiments or if music agencies will introduce formal policies to restrict mobile phone use at upcoming concerts.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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