CORTIS Brings K-Pop Fever to Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix 2026

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CORTIS, the South Korean boy band, has been confirmed as the sole K-pop act performing on the opening night of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix 2026, according to a report by Forbes – Business. The group, part of the “rising quintet” in the global K-pop scene, will headline the event’s entertainment lineup alongside artists such as Janet Jackson and Mark Ronson, as disclosed by the Singapore F1 organizers. This marks the first time a K-pop group has been featured on the grand prix’s opening night, signaling a growing intersection between music and motorsport in Asia’s premier racing event.

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The Singapore F1 Grand Prix, known for blending high-octane racing with cultural programming, announced the performer lineup on June 25, 2026, ahead of the event’s scheduled dates from September 23 to 25, 2026. CORTIS’s inclusion follows a strategic partnership between the Formula 1 organization and the band’s management, which aims to expand the sport’s appeal among younger, global audiences. According to a statement from the Singapore F1 office, the selection was based on the group’s “international fanbase and cultural influence,” though no specific metrics were provided.

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CORTIS, formed in 2021, has rapidly risen in prominence through a mix of viral social media performances and collaborations with global artists. Their 2026 World Tour, which includes stops in Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Berlin, is already generating significant buzz. The Singapore F1 appearance aligns with the band’s efforts to diversify their performance venues beyond traditional concert halls. A spokesperson for the group stated, “We are thrilled to bring our music to such a unique and dynamic platform, where racing and entertainment converge.”

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The decision to feature CORTIS reflects broader trends in Formula 1’s marketing strategy. Over the past decade, the sport has increasingly integrated pop culture elements to attract younger demographics. For example, the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix included a performance by Billie Eilish, while the 2024 Monaco event featured a DJ set by Calvin Harris. The Singapore F1’s 2026 lineup continues this pattern, with organizers emphasizing “a celebration of global music and motorsport.”

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CORTIS’s performance will take place on the opening night of the grand prix, which is typically the most attended day of the event. The group’s set is expected to last approximately 45 minutes, following a pre-race ceremony that includes a flypast by military aircraft and a ceremonial start by a local celebrity. The event’s organizers did not disclose details about the band’s setlist or any special stage designs, but they confirmed that CORTIS will perform in a custom-built arena adjacent to the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

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The move has sparked discussions about the commercial potential of K-pop in motorsport. According to a 2025 report by the Korea Music Content Association, K-pop groups generated over $2.1 billion in revenue globally that year, with streaming platforms accounting for 60% of earnings. CORTIS’s inclusion in the Singapore F1 lineup could further boost their international exposure, particularly in Southeast Asia, where the grand prix attracts a significant portion of its audience.

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Singapore’s F1 event has historically drawn a diverse crowd, with estimates suggesting that 30% of attendees are international visitors. The 2026 edition is projected to welcome over 350,000 spectators, with ticket sales already surpassing 80% of capacity as of June 2026. The presence of CORTIS is likely to appeal to younger fans, who make up 40% of the event’s demographic. A survey conducted by the Singapore Tourism Board in March 2026 found that 28% of respondents aged 18–30 cited music performances as a key factor in attending the grand prix.

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The collaboration between CORTIS and Singapore F1 also highlights the growing influence of K-pop in Asia’s entertainment industry. In 2025, the Korean Cultural Service reported that K-pop-related events generated $1.8 billion in revenue across the region, with South Korea’s exports of music and related merchandise contributing 2.3% to the country’s GDP. Analysts suggest that partnerships with high-profile events like the F1 Grand Prix could further solidify K-pop’s role as a cultural export.

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CORTIS’s participation in the 2026 Singapore F1 Grand Prix is not their first foray into non-traditional performance spaces. In 2024, the group headlined a concert at the Seoul Fashion Week, and in 2025, they performed at the Busan International Music Festival. Their 2026 World Tour includes a stop in Dubai, where they will also take part in a local music festival. The Singapore event, however, represents a unique opportunity to reach a global audience that may not typically engage with K-pop.

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The Singapore F1 organizers did not provide specific details