In a groundbreaking development for the intersection of K-pop and professional sports, the group CORTIS has been officially announced as the first K-pop act to perform at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
According to reports from the NBA and ESPN released on February 4, 2026, the group will take the stage for a halftime show at the ‘2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.’
This historic event is scheduled to take place on February 13 at the Kia Forum in California, marking a significant milestone in CORTIS’s expanding influence within the North American market.
“Friends of the NBA”: A Growing Partnership
The selection of CORTIS for this prestigious halftime slot is not a random occurrence but rather the result of a deep and ongoing partnership.
The NBA and ESPN have highlighted the group’s role as “Friends of the NBA,” serving as official promotional ambassadors for the league.
This ambassadorship has allowed CORTIS to act as a cultural bridge, bringing K-pop’s high-energy performance style to one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States.
The Celebrity Game itself is a fan-favorite tradition, featuring a mix of retired NBA legends, Hollywood celebrities, and musicians competing on the court, all of which is broadcast live across the country via ESPN.
Expanding Presence in North American Entertainment
The halftime show at the Kia Forum is just one part of a busy week for CORTIS in Los Angeles. Before they hit the Celebrity Game stage, the group is set to headline the “NBA Crossover Concert Series” on February 12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
This makes them the first Korean artist headliner in the history of the concert series, further solidifying their status as a major player in the global music scene.
By headlining both a dedicated concert and a major sporting event, CORTIS is effectively positioning themselves at the center of the entertainment world’s most high-profile weekend.
CORTIS Beyond the Stage: Gaming and Global Branding
The group’s success in the sports arena is mirrored by their innovative branding and gaming partnerships. CORTIS recently made headlines as the first K-pop artist to partner with the international energy drink brand Red Bull.
Their influence has also crossed over into the virtual world; their hit song ‘GO!’ was featured on the original soundtrack for Season 4 of the popular basketball simulation game NBA 2K26.
Furthermore, the group has expanded their reach to the younger gaming demographic by having their choreography featured as a dance emote in the global phenomenon Fortnite.
A New Cultural Frontier
As CORTIS prepares for their historic performance at the Kia Forum, they are doing more than just promoting a single; they are redefining what it means for a K-pop group to be a global brand.
Their integration into the NBA ecosystem—through soundtracks, ambassadorships, and now a live halftime show—represents a new frontier for Hallyu (the Korean Wave).
By successfully merging music, sports, and gaming, CORTIS has built a versatile and resilient presence that transcends traditional industry boundaries.
On February 13, when they take the court for the halftime show, it will be a moment of pride not just for the group and their fans, but for the entire K-pop industry as it continues to find new homes on the world’s biggest stages.
In the fast-paced world of K-pop, where veteran superstars and rising rookies often occupy different circles, a recent behind-the-scenes video has delighted fans by bridging that gap.
On February 4, 2026, rising artist ZO ZAZZ uploaded a vlog to his YouTube channel titled
“What Happened at ZO ZAZZ’s First Golden Disc Awards.”
The video captured his journey to the 40th Golden Disc Awards, held on January 10 at the Taipei Dome.
While the awards themselves were a milestone—marking his first overseas ceremony and nominations for both Rookie of the Year and the Digital Song Award—the highlight for many viewers was the revelation of his close personal bond with BLACKPINK’s Jennie .
Behind the Scenes: Nerves and Anxiety Pills
The vlog offered a candid look at the pressure felt by rookie artists. Despite his growing popularity, ZO ZAZZ, who is currently in his second year since debut, admitted to feeling immense nervousness.
Interestingly, his primary source of anxiety wasn’t his stage performance, but rather a specific backstage assignment: interviewing Jennie.
In a humorous moment that resonated with fans, he joked that he might need to “take four anxiety pills” to handle the task of talking to the global superstar.
This relatable admission set a humble tone before the big reveal of their actual relationship.
Natural Chemistry and Shared History
To the surprise of many fans, Jennie and ZO ZAZZ displayed a relaxed and natural chemistry that clearly indicated a long-standing friendship.
Jennie greeted him warmly, complimenting his outfit and style, while also showing her playful side by joking about her own skills as an interviewee.
The contrast between their industry seniority—Jennie being in her 11th year and ZO ZAZZ in his second—added a charming dynamic to the interaction, especially as Jennie remarked on how “new” it felt to see each other “all dressed up” in a professional setting.
Professionalism Meets Personal Bond
Despite their close personal ties, the two navigated the interview with a blend of professional respect and friendly teasing.
ZO ZAZZ explained to his audience that he chose to address Jennie formally during the interview because their friendship was not widely known to the public.
Jennie playfully went along with this, asking him to “continue being polite” for the cameras. However, once the official segment ended, the mask of formality dropped.
The two were seen exchanging genuine words of encouragement and posing for commemorative photos, leaving no doubt about the authenticity of their support for one another.
Impact on Fans and the Industry
This unexpected interaction has provided a refreshing glimpse into Jennie’s life away from the global spotlight, showcasing her as a supportive and grounded senior artist.
For ZO ZAZZ, the association with such a high-profile figure further solidifies his growing presence in the music industry.
Fans have been quick to celebrate this “cross-generational” friendship, noting that it’s rare to see such genuine connections publicized in a way that feels organic rather than curated.
As ZO ZAZZ continues his upward trajectory and Jennie maintains her status as a global icon, this moment at the 40th Golden Disc Awards stands as a testament to the enduring personal relationships that exist behind the glitz and glamour of the K-pop stage.
