K-pop Acts CORTIS, KATSEYE, GIRLSET Named to Billboard's '21 Under 21' List

Several K-pop acts have earned a spot on Billboard's prestigious '21 Under 21' list for 2026, showcasing the genre's growing global influence. Boy group CORTIS, managed by Hybe, along with Hybe's global group KATSEYE and JYP Entertainment's U.S.-based girl group GIRLSET, were all recognized.

CORTIS, the sole K-pop boy group to make the list this year, was lauded by Billboard as one of the fastest-growing pop groups on its charts. Their debut album "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES" charted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200, and their second EP, "GREENGREEN," released in May, debuted directly at No. 3. The title track "REDRED" has also maintained a strong presence, staying on the "Global 200" and "Global (Excl. U.S.)" charts for 13 consecutive weeks.

"It still feels like a dream that our first EP entered the Billboard 200, and our second EP reached number 3," CORTIS member Seonghyeon told Billboard. "I'm truly grateful to feel our music reaching more people beyond where it started."

“

It still feels like a dream that our first EP entered the Billboard 200, and our second EP reached number 3. I'm truly grateful to feel our music reaching more people beyond where it started.

KATSEYE, formed through Hybe's "Dream Academy," has solidified its position by charting multiple songs on the Billboard "Hot 100" this year, including "Internet Girl" and "Pinky Up." GIRLSET, now a four-member group, also received recognition for expanding their creative output, notably with their collaboration "Little Miss" featuring hip-hop icon Missy Elliott.

Billboard noted that the 21 artists selected this year are prioritizing "authenticity," proving it to be a successful strategy.

“

the 21 teams of artists selected this year are prioritizing 'Authenticity' above all else, and this is proving to be a successful strategy.