James (yufan)

JAMES (제임스 / ZHAO YUFAN)

James (Zhao Yufan, 趙宇凡), born October 14, 2005, is a Thai-Chinese (Hong Kongese) singer, songwriter, composer, producer, choreographer, and member of the South Korean boy group CORTIS (코르티스) under BIGHIT MUSIC. Born in Hong Kong, raised in Taiwan, and later moving to South Korea in 2020, he is known for his creativity, versatility, strong work ethic, and multicultural background, and he debuted with CORTIS on August 18, 2025, with their debut single What You Want alongside Martin, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho. As one of the group’s core creative forces, he is deeply involved in songwriting, composition, production, choreography, and overall artistic direction, often shaping tracks with emotionally textured yet rhythm-driven soundscapes that blend experimental pop, hip-hop, R&B, indie rock, and electronic influences inspired by artists such as Michael Jackson, A$AP Rocky, Dominic Fike, Tame Impala, Radiohead, Queen, and Eminem. Known for his contrasting personality of disciplined perfectionism and playful chaos, James is intensely focused and detail-driven in the studio and on stage, while off stage he becomes relaxed, humorous, and naturally mischievous, often creating unexpected funny moments, and he is initially shy with new people but becomes talkative and sarcastic once comfortable. He enjoys spicy ramen, Korean BBQ, Taiwanese beef noodles, boba, and simple comfort foods like fried rice, and spends his time producing beats late at night, studying choreography videos, taking street photography, collecting vinyl records, gaming, and editing funny clips of the members, while habitually tapping rhythms, saving lyric ideas on his phone, drinking coffee, and humming unfinished melodies. His fashion identity blends grunge, Y2K, punk, skater, and streetwear aesthetics with influences from Saint Laurent, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Rick Owens, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton, often experimenting with. He is an only child.

💬 HOW WE MET (JAMES)

It's been about a year since we all became friends. I first met her backstage at one of our concerts through Elizabeth and Seo-ah while she was working with the medical team. It was a quick introduction, nothing really happened then. A few days later, we actually talked at Elizabeth’s birthday dinner, and it was easy from the start. She was comfortable to talk to, and I didn’t feel awkward around her. After that, we kept seeing each other through group hangouts—dinners, movie nights, and birthdays. Over time, she just became part of the group without it feeling forced. Looking back, I think what stands out most is that I started noticing when she wasn’t around. I don’t really know what that means yet, I just know she became someone I look forward to seeing. I never really know someone could linger in my head.