Cortiz’s first concerts since debut have triggered sharply divided reactions. The shows proved their red-hot demand with a full sell-out, but many fans voiced frustration over the short runtime and the way the setlist was structured.
On July 18 and 19, Cortiz kicked off their first world tour, 'PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN,' at Inspire Arena on Yeongjongdo, Incheon. Hype was sky-high as it marked the rookie group’s first-ever solo concerts and first world tour within their debut year.
But right after opening night, online communities and social media filled with conflicting reviews. The biggest sticking point was the runtime. While initially promoted as roughly two hours, multiple attendees reported the actual show lasted about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The setlist also fueled debate. Since debuting in August last year, Cortiz have released a total of 12 tracks, including OSTs. With a relatively small discography, many expected the group to pack the show with cover stages, unreleased songs, or fresh rearrangements. Instead, they repeated a few title tracks multiple times.
Onstage, 'REDRED' appeared four times, and 'YOUNGCREATORCREW' was performed five times. Other B-sides were also slotted in two to three times each. Although some songs featured remix arrangements, many said the repeated flow became tiring.
Fans were also disappointed by the near absence of typical idol-concert elements like outfit changes or VCR segments. With tickets priced at 143,000 won and the venue—Inspire Arena in Incheon—located on the outskirts of the Seoul metro area, attendees who endured long travel times said the short runtime stung even more.
Another concern: before the first show, member Geon-ho sustained an injury, so parts of the concert ran with a four-member formation, leaving some fans questioning the overall completeness.
Others argued this was Cortiz’s deliberate, experimental color. True to the tour name, 'PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN,' the concert aimed to ditch screens and get everyone jumping and breathing in sync with the group. Some compared it to overseas pop-star shows that prioritize free-flowing energy and live presence over flashy production or constant outfit changes.
After the backlash, Cortiz made adjustments on day two. According to fan accounts, they took live requests for encore songs during the final segment and performed seven different tracks. The members also talked more, and the runtime reportedly stretched to about two hours—longer than opening night.
Fans praised the quick turnaround, but disappointment still lingers among those who attended the first show.
Cortiz’s first world tour spans 14 shows across nine cities, starting in Incheon and heading to Toronto, New York, Kanagawa, and more. All eyes are on whether Cortiz can level up the show’s completeness and win back fans’ trust as the tour continues.