Here’s Why Internet Is Accusing CORTIS Of Cultural Appropriation Following Viral Christmas Video

Many K-pop groups take inspiration from black musicians and their style.

By Anadya Narain Updated December 26, 2025 5:29 PM

Here’s Why Internet Is Accusing CORTIS Of Cultural Appropriation Following Viral Christmas Video

Cultural appropriation has been an ongoing debate in the K-pop industry. Many feel that the genre is heavily inspired by Black musicians and their style, and the line between appreciation and appropriation is quite thin. A lot of K-pop idols and groups have been accused of either plagiarising or appropriating black culture. BigHit’s new boy group CORTIS recently got embroiled in the issue after posting a Christmas video that some felt was insensitive. Read on to know more.

CORTIS Accused Of Mocking Black Culture In Christmas Video

On December 24, CORTIS uploaded a video to celebrate Christmas, set to classical background music, ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,’ in which all members were dressed in street-style clothing. The video was based on the trend of wearing outfits that contrast the vibe of the song playing in the background. Although most fans found CORTIS’ video funny, there was one particular aspect of it that drew negative attention.

CORTIS is facing backlash after a Christmas video sparked accusations of cultural appropriation and “Black cosplay.” Fans say it’s being misunderstood. Here’s the quick breakdown.#CORTIS #KpopNews #KpopControversy #BlackCosplay #CulturalAppropriation pic.twitter.com/lGsM7g4JGr

— Xiwang Kpop Tea (@XiwangKpop_Tea) December 25, 2025

In this video, CORTIS’ Martin was seen making a few gestures with his hands, which were alleged to be a gang sign for Crips, a real-life gang in America. This gesture has previously been deemed an act of cultural appropriation. The CORTIS Christmas video further sparked a discussion on how K-pop groups usually take inspiration from black-originated music genres such as hip-hop and R&B.

Soon, the viral clip led to criticism from some users, accusing CORTIS of “Black cosplay,” a term that refers to elements of black culture taken superficially by K-pop acts without understanding the context behind it.

However, CORTIS fans defended Martin’s gesture by claiming that it was most likely coincidental rather than being an attempt to signal an affiliation with gang culture. Fans have also argued that idol groups can’t be aware of all possible interpretations of gestures that have been circulated via social media trends and hip-hop culture.