Cortis, the K-pop boy band, has initiated a dialogue about concert etiquette with their ongoing global tour, aptly named 'Put Your Phone Down.' Kicking off in Incheon, South Korea, on July 18, the tour, which includes stops in New York and Los Angeles, carries a central message from the band: fans should engage with live performances rather than viewing them through the lens of their smartphones.
On stage, band members have vocally expressed this sentiment, with one member repeatedly telling the audience, "Put your phone down." This plea has been met with a mixture of reactions. While some audience members complied, many continued to hold up their phones, illuminating the stadium with a sea of screens. The band's call to be present reflects a message they have consistently promoted, encouraging fans to immerse themselves in the live experience.
This encouragement has divided their fandom, as fan-filmed content is a significant aspect of K-pop culture, often serving as a form of social currency. Park Ji-yeon, a 22-year-old fan, shared her perspective, stating she rented a high-end smartphone specifically to record the Cortis concert in the highest quality. "I was standing right at the front, and I couldn't bring myself to put my phone down because I don't know if I'll ever get this opportunity again," she explained. "I usually film concerts because I know a lot of those memories will fade as soon as I leave the venue."
In contrast, others have embraced the band's message. Kim Ga-eun, 25, observed fans in the standing section enjoying the performance together. "People in the back of the standing section were having a great time dancing together. I thought that really reflected the intention behind the concert," she said, noting that some fans heeded the band's call.