FaSHioN

"FaSHioN" is a defiant anthem of self-expression that deconstructs the concept of value in the modern age. At its core, the song critiques the materialistic nature of the fashion industry and the K-pop idol sphere itself, arguing that swagger and vision cannot be bought. By proudly boasting about wearing outfits that cost less than $15 while aspiring to "billion-dollar" success, CORTIS asserts that their identity is intrinsic, not external.

The song serves as a cultural map of Seoul's style evolution. It validates Dongmyo (the 'old' and 'cheap') as the true source of inspiration, contrasting it with the polished, often inaccessible world of luxury brands. This reflects a broader Gen Z sentiment known as "grandpa/grandma core" or repurposing vintage, finding authenticity in the discarded. When they chant, "I make them famous, I call that fashion," they are flipping the power dynamic: the brand doesn't validate the idol; the idol validates the brand.

Furthermore, the lyrics suggest a merging of worlds. The transition from the grit of the flea market to the glamour of the Met Gala represents the group's journey from trainees to global stars. It captures the "young creator" spirit of the group, emphasizing that they are not manufactured dolls but artists who curate their own image, turning the mundane (a fruit box belt) into the iconic.

The song opens with a bold declaration of value, immediately juxtaposing the low cost of the protagonist's clothing with the astronomically high value of their ambition. The narrator proudly states that their t-shirt cost a mere five dollars and their pants were ten thousand won (roughly eight dollars), yet their vision is worth billions or trillions, comparing their potential to business magnates like Bezos. This sets the stage for the central theme: style is defined by the person, not the price tag.

The narrative moves geographically through the fashion subcultures of Seoul. It begins in Dongmyo, a district famous for its vintage flea markets and elderly patrons. The lyrics describe a gathering there that feels as serious as a seminar, highlighting a respect for the roots of style found in piles of second-hand clothes. The scene then shifts to Hongdae, the epicenter of youth culture and indie music, where the group 'sets it off,' bringing their unique energy to the streets. Finally, they project their influence spreading to Cheongdam-dong, the city's district of high-end luxury, symbolizing their intent to disrupt the elite fashion world with their street-level authenticity.

Throughout the verses, there is a recurring rejection of criticism. The narrator brushes off negative comments about their eclectic outfits, emphasizing a stubborn adherence to their own taste. There is vivid imagery of repurposing items—a belt taken from a reserved fruit box is now worn as a fashion accessory around the waist. The lyrics also pay homage to the 'grannies' of the vintage market, acknowledging them as the original trendsetters. The bridge elevates this lifestyle to a global scale, mentioning a return from Los Angeles with a finished album and renewed 'swag,' suggesting that their local street style has now evolved into a world-class artistic statement. Ultimately, the song is a manifesto that claims they don't just follow trends; they make the clothes famous simply by wearing them.

Released on September 8, 2025, "FaSHioN" serves as a key track on CORTIS's debut EP, Color Outside the Lines. The song marks the debut of BigHit Music's first new boy group in six years (following TXT), placing immense pressure on the release. It was co-written by the members themselves—Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho—alongside HYBE's in-house producer Supreme Boi.

The track's inception is rooted in the members' trainee days. According to interviews, the lyrics were inspired by their real-life excursions to the Dongmyo Flea Market in Seoul to find unique stage outfits on a budget. The line about the "belt from a fruit box" is reportedly a true anecdote from member Keonho. The song was teased extensively prior to debut through a documentary series titled What We Want, which showed the members recording the track in Los Angeles. The music video was directed by Bang Jaeyeob and filmed in New Zealand and South Korea, visually reinforcing the blend of gritty street culture and high-concept art.

The song follows a 4/4 time signature with a BPM of approximately 140, giving it a frantic, high-energy dance pace suitable for performance. The rhyme scheme in the verses is often AABB or AAAA, utilizing simple, punchy end-rhymes (e.g., vision/Bezos, seminar/set it off) to create a chant-like catchiness.

Rhythmically, the vocal delivery is highly percussive. The rappers often flow in triplets against the straight beat, creating a stuttering effect that mimics the sharp, disjointed movements of a popping dance routine. The chorus relies on the rhythmic repetition of the word "Fashion," treated almost as a beat itself rather than a melodic line.

Musical Techniques: The track is built on a minimalist trap beat characterized by a heavy, distorted 808 bass that drives the momentum. It utilizes anti-drop structures in the chorus, focusing on rhythmic chanting rather than melodic explosion. The production incorporates frantic, glitchy sound effects reminiscent of camera shutters and industrial noise to mimic the chaos of a fashion show backstage.

Literary/Vocal Techniques: The delivery alternates between nonchalant, low-tone rapping (signifying "cool" detachment) and high-energy shouting (representing the hype of the crowd). The lyrics employ juxtaposition extensively (cheap vs. expensive, old vs. new). There is also a heavy use of multilingual code-switching (Korean and English), which reflects the globalized nature of modern fashion and K-pop.

Since its release in late 2025, "FaSHioN" has established CORTIS as the leaders of the "5th Gen" K-pop sound. The song sparked the #DongmyoChallenge on TikTok, where users flaunted thrifted outfits worth less than $10, rejecting the trend of "flex culture" involving luxury brands. It revitalized interest in the Dongmyo market among international tourists. Critically, the song was praised for breaking the mold of highly polished, manufactured K-pop debuts by embracing a rougher, self-made aesthetic, drawing comparisons to early hip-hop collectives.

The lyrics are dense with geographical and object-based symbolism:

• Dongmyo vs. Cheongdam: These locations serve as metaphors for the underground vs. the establishment. Dongmyo represents raw, affordable, and historic creativity, while Cheongdam represents the polished, expensive, and exclusive K-pop industry standard they aim to infiltrate.
• The "5 Buck" Tee: A symbol of humility and confidence. It represents the idea that the wearer's charisma outweighs material worth.
• The Fruit Box Belt: This specific image symbolizes resourcefulness and the ability to find beauty in the mundane (upcycling). It rejects the necessity of designer logos.
• Bezos/Billions: A metaphor for limitless ambition. It contrasts the micro-economy of the thrift store with the macro-economy of their dreams.
• The "Seminar": Referring to the gathering at the market as a seminar elevates the act of thrift shopping to a scholarly or religious pursuit of style.

"Dongmyo, Wassup? Hongdae, Wassup?"
This call-and-response phrase anchors the song in specific Seoul locales, grounding the group's identity in the city's street culture. Its repetition acts as a roll call, rallying listeners from different scenes.

"Fashion, fashion, fashion, fashion"
The relentless repetition of the title word in the chorus strips the word of its glamour, turning it into a rhythmic mantra. It sounds almost mechanical, perhaps commenting on the fast-paced, churning nature of the trend cycle.

"My tee five bucks"
This motif serves as the song's thesis statement, repeated to remind the listener that the coolness comes from the person, not the price.