Kpop singer James praised for 'CEO-like' appearance

James, 20, a member of Kpop group Cortis, is drawing attention for his sharp, 'CEO-like' aura in a vest, making an impression with his angular face.

On 6/1, James of the group Cortis garnered attention alongside his fellow members at a fashion event in Seoul, South Korea. His appearance is a trending topic across social media platforms. In Vietnam, numerous fanpages on Facebook shared images of James, praising his resemblance to a 'tong tai' figure. 'Tong tai,' a Sino-Vietnamese term, refers to high-ranking executives at large corporations. This archetype often appears as the wealthy, handsome, and devoted male lead in modern romance films and novels. Video: X/ Scoop!

On X, fansites, which are fan pages dedicated to photographing idols, garnered tens of thousands of views for each post featuring James. About Music, a platform specializing in Kpop news, received over one million views when resharing the singer's photos. Many international fans commented on his resemblance to Edward Cullen, the vampire protagonist in 'The Twilight Saga' film series, played by Robert Pattison. *Photo: X/Amber*

The idol's portrait through a reporter's lens. *Photo: Segye*

Born in Hong Kong in 2005, the singer grew up in Taiwan. His real name is Zhao Yufan, and he is of Chinese and Thai descent. In August 2025, James debuted with four other members as the group Cortis. The band is a junior act to BTS, managed by Big Hit Music, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation.

From left: James, Juhoon, 18, Keonho, 17, Seonghyeon, 17, and leader Martin, 18. *Photo: Instagram/ Cortis*

According to Rolling Stone, the group's name originates from the phrase "Color outside the lines," reflecting a spirit of boundless creativity. This is also the title of their debut EP, a music release with fewer songs than an album. Additionally, the naming was inspired by cortisol, a hormone associated with controlling energy, actions, and emotions. *Photo: Instagram/ Cortis*

The group's debut music video – What You Want. Video: YouTube/ Hybe Labels

Currently, Cortis is one of the most popular groups in South Korea, boasting approximately 8,8 million followers on Instagram. Before releasing their first single, 'What You Want,' the band unveiled the music video for 'GO!,' which all members produced. Beyond their music, the group impresses with their Y2K and street style fashion.

James moved to South Korea as a trainee in 2021. He was part of Trainee A, a BigHit project to train a new boy group, which disbanded in 2022. *Photo: Instagram Cortis*

International publications like Rolling Stone and Vogue have referred to James as a dance prodigy, noting his involvement in choreographing routines for several artists within his company. In 2023, James performed as a backup dancer for senior artist Jungkook of BTS on stage for the song 'Seven.' *Photo: X/ Scoop!*

James's fancam performing the song FaSHioN. Video: YouTube/ M2

Also according to Rolling Stone, James possesses 10 years of experience in ice hockey, reaching a semi-professional level. He stated that this training helped him develop discipline. Furthermore, James holds a taekwondo black belt and is fluent in four languages: Thai, Chinese, Korean, and English. *Photo: Instagram/ Cortis*

Before gaining widespread attention for his 'CEO-like' image, James had already captivated social media with a performance at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in November 2025. *Photo: X/ NN*

Beneath posts resharing his photos, many fans commented that his styling evoked the aesthetic of the Cullen family in 'Twilight,' particularly referencing the scene where the vampire family plays baseball in the first installment.