Key facts
- K-pop band Cortis is on a global tour called "Put Your Phone Down."
- The band encourages fans to stop filming concerts and engage in real life.
- Fan reactions are mixed, with some prioritizing filming and others appreciating the band's message.
- Fancams are a valuable aspect of K-pop fan culture.
- Cortis adjusted their message after initial fan frustration.
K-pop boy band Cortis has initiated a unique message during their ongoing global tour, urging fans to put down their phones and engage directly with the live performance. The tour, aptly named "Put Your Phone Down," kicked off in Incheon, South Korea, on July 18. Band members have repeatedly made theatrical commands for the audience to cease filming, aiming to foster a more present and interactive concert experience.
This initiative has sparked a division among their fanbase. For many K-pop fans, recording concerts is a crucial aspect of the culture, allowing them to preserve memories and share content within fan communities. Park Ji-yeon, a 22-year-old fan, rented a high-quality smartphone specifically to film Cortis's performances, stating that memories fade quickly and she wanted to capture the opportunity. She believes filming is essential for remembering the experience.
Conversely, some fans have embraced the band's message. Kim Ga-eun, 25, observed that fans in the standing section were actively dancing together, which she felt truly reflected the band's intention. She noted that the band's message seemed to foster a sense of shared enjoyment.
Cortis, who debuted last year under BigHit Music and consists mostly of teenage members, joins a growing number of international artists advocating for a phone-free concert experience. Singers like Phoebe Bridgers and Alicia Keys have implemented phone lock pouches, while Brett Anderson of Suede has been known to physically retrieve phones from the audience. Even K-pop giants like BTS, through members such as Jungkook, have made similar requests.
The band's name, Cortis, is derived from "colour outside the lines," symbolizing their free spirit and non-conformist attitude, which extends to challenging the prevalent fan culture of constant documentation. However, this anti-mobile stance has not been universally welcomed. After the first day of the concert, some fans expressed frustration online, particularly given the significant expense of attending multiple shows. One fan, Park Ji-yeon, mentioned spending over one million won ($700) for both days.
It appears Cortis acknowledged this feedback, as their message reportedly softened on the second day. Instead of a direct command, the band shifted to a more understanding tone, suggesting that while filming is acceptable, the primary goal should be to enjoy the concert together, framing "Put Your Phone Down" as more of a mindset than a strict rule.