James is a singer, songwriter, choreographer, and member of CORTIS, BIGHIT MUSIC’s five-member boy group. Born on October 14, 2005, James entered CORTIS with an unusually extensive background. He had previously been part of BIGHIT MUSIC’s Trainee A project, contributing to music and choreography before officially debuting as an idol.
He contributed to choreography and songwriting associated with ILLIT’s “Magnetic” and TXT’s “Deja vu” and “Miracle”, and also appeared as a backing dancer during Jung Kook’s performances of “Seven.”
As the oldest member of CORTIS, James is known for his dance ability, musicality, choreography experience, multilingual background, and creative involvement in the group’s music and performances.
Quick Idol Overview
Stage Name: James
Birth Name: Zhao Yufan
Korean Name (한글): 제임스
Birthday: October 14, 2005
Age: 20 Years
Nationality: Hong Konger / Taiwanese
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Group / Solo: CORTIS
Company: Big Hit Music
Position: Main Dancer, Rapper, Vocalist
Debut Date: August 18, 2025 (CORTIS)
MBTI: Not Publicly Confirmed
Social Media Presence
No official individual social media account of JAMES (CORTIS). He primarily communicates with fans through CORTIS’ official group platforms and Weverse activities.
Personal Details
Nickname: Jamesie, Creator Hyung, Jamie, Zhaoyufine
Hometown: Hong Kong (Raised in Taiwan)
Hobbies: Choreography, songwriting, sports, music discovery
Favorite Food: Dubai chocolate chewy cookies, Jalapeño Cheetos
Favorite Music: Hip-hop, alternative pop, R&B
Favorite Color: Green (Representative member color)
Favorite Artist: Blur, Martin Scorsese
Physical Profile
| ATTRIBUTE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Height | Not Publicly Confirmed |
| Weight | Not Publicly Confirmed |
| Blood Type | Not Publicly Confirmed |
| Shoe Size | Not Publicly Confirmed |
Beauty Breakdown (Fan-Observed)
Face shape: Sharp and angular face shape
Eye type: Intense eyes with strong gaze
Distinct features: Striking visuals, defined facial structure
Body proportions: Lean with athletic dancer build
Career Journey
Pre-Debut
● Former member of Big Hit’s pre-debut project Trainee A
● Trained for several years before debut
● Worked on choreography and creative projects
● Appeared as a backup dancer for major HYBE performances
Debut & Growth
● Debuted with CORTIS in 2025
● Quickly became one of the group’s most popular members
● Earned recognition for choreography contributions
● Credited on music, performance, and creative projects for the group
On-Camera Personality
● Energetic and playful
● Creative and ambitious
● Shows strong leadership despite not being leader
● Often brings humor to group content
Fashion, Style & Aura
Airport fashion: Streetwear-inspired and trendy
Stage style: Punk-influenced and performance-focused
Signature items: Layered outfits, oversized silhouettes
Brand associations: Prada, NBA partnership campaigns through CORTIS activities
Fitness, Diet & Health
● Maintains athletic dancer physique
● Background in competitive sports
● Focuses heavily on dance practice
● Strong stamina for live performances
Popularity Insights
● Frequently cited as one of CORTIS’s most popular members
● Known for standout visuals and stage presence
● Strong international fan following
● Attracts attention for creativity and choreography work
Viral Moments & Fan Favorites
● Trainee A era content
● Choreography contributions to CORTIS performances
● Viral fancams after debut
● Fans love James’ sense of humor
Controversies & Clarifications
● No major personal controversies have become a defining part of James’ public career as of 2026.
● Maintains positive public image
FAQs Fans Ask
Was James a member of Trainee A? → Yes, he was a former member of BIGHIT MUSIC’s pre-debut project Trainee A.
What languages does James speak? → He is widely reported to speak 5 languages, including Chinese, Korean, English, Thai, and Japanese.
What is James known for? → Dance, choreography, and visuals
Does James have a solo debut? → No solo debut has been officially announced.
Fun Facts You Didn’t Know
- Voted as the most “maknae-like” eldest group member
- James’ pants slipped off at a fashion event in Japan
- Helps in producing choreography for songs
- Takes special care of skin, uses toner and moisturizer regularly
- James is the physically strongest member in the group
- Don’t like cats
- Was hesitant to connect with other members at the start