You’ve seen him. If you spend any time on TikTok or scroll through K-pop Twitter, Martin Edwards (better known as Martin from CORTIS) has probably dominated your feed. He’s 6’3”, got that shock of spiky blonde hair, and carries himself with a "rockstar-meets-rebel" energy that feels plucked straight out of a Shonen storyboard.
Honestly, the internet is obsessed with finding the perfect martin cortis look alike anime character. It’s not just the hair, though that’s a big part of it. It’s the sharp jawline, the "don't care" attitude, and that specific Eurasian look that makes fans swear they’ve seen him in a manga before.
Why Martin from CORTIS Looks Like a Living Anime Character
CORTIS hit the scene in August 2025 under BigHit Music, and while the group's "rage-trap" sound is what kept people listening, Martin’s visual is what stopped the scroll. Born in 2008, this Korean-Canadian leader is basically a walking 2D aesthetic.
When we talk about a martin cortis look alike anime, people aren't just comparing him to one guy. It depends on the day. One day he’s giving "protagonist energy," and the next, he’s the cool rival who has a tragic backstory involving a guitar and a leather jacket.
The Loid Forger Comparison
One of the most frequent names that pops up in Reddit threads is Loid Forger from Spy x Family. Now, hear me out. Loid is usually buttoned up, but when his hair is messy and he’s in "Twilight" mode, the resemblance to Martin is spooky. They both have that tall, lean frame and the blonde, slightly disheveled hair that screams "I’m busy but I look good."
Denji from Chainsaw Man
If you look at Martin during the "GO!" music video, the energy is pure Denji. It’s chaotic. It’s raw. The spiky blonde hair is almost a 1:1 match. Fans have even made edits comparing Martin’s stage presence to Denji’s unhinged combat style—minus the actual chainsaws, of course.
Bakugo Katsuki (My Hero Academia)
This one is all about the attitude. Bakugo is known for his "explosive" personality and that signature spiky blonde hair. While Martin is known to be a sweet leader who draws and produces hits for TXT and ILLIT, his stage persona has that same sharp, intimidating edge. It’s that "I’m the best" vibe that makes the comparison stick.
The Visual Anatomy of the Look-Alike Trend
What actually makes someone look like an anime character? It’s usually a mix of three things:
- The Silhouette: Martin is exceptionally tall (191cm or about 6’3”). In anime, the leader or the "cool guy" is often drawn with long limbs and a striking height that towers over others.
- The Eyes: Fans often point out that Martin has "manhwa eyes"—sharp, tilted slightly upward, giving him a naturally fierce look.
- The Hair Styling: Let's be real. The blonde spikes are doing 50% of the work. It’s a classic anime trope.
Is it Just the Blonde Hair?
Kinda. But not entirely. When Martin had longer, darker hair during his pre-debut/trainee days, people compared him to characters from Nana or Paradise Kiss. He has that "Ai Yazawa boy" look—very lanky, very fashionable, and a bit moody.
Real-Life Look-Alikes (The Idol Version)
Beyond the 2D world, the "Martin looks like..." game extends to other idols too. The K-pop community is divided on who his real-life twin is.
- Jooyeon (Xdinary Heroes): This is the biggest one. Some fans swear they are long-lost brothers because of their similar eye shapes and "rocker" vibes.
- Ricky (ZEROBASEONE): Since both are known for their "Young and Rich, Tall and Handsome" aura and sharp blonde visuals, the comparison is inevitable.
- Jungkook (BTS): Some older fans see a glimpse of a young, rebellious Jungkook in Martin's smile, though the vibe is definitely more "punk" than "pop" for the CORTIS leader.
Why We Are Obsessed With These Comparisons
Basically, we like to categorize things. When a rookie like Martin debuts with such a distinct look, our brains try to find a reference point. Seeing a martin cortis look alike anime helps fans connect with his "character" before they even hear him sing. It builds a lore.
It also helps that Martin himself is a creative. He produces, he writes (he’s credited on ILLIT’s "Magnetic" and TXT’s "Deja Vu"), and he draws. He’s the "multi-talented protagonist" archetype brought to life.
Actionable Insight: How to Find Your Own "Anime" Style
If you're inspired by the Martin Edwards aesthetic, you don't need to be a 6'3" K-pop idol. You can lean into the "main character" energy by focusing on:
- High-Contrast Hair: Spiky textures and bold colors (like platinum blonde) are the fastest way to get that 2D look.
- Y2K/Grunge Fashion: Martin is often seen in oversized, thrifted, or distressed clothing. Think baggy layers and silver hardware.
- Pose and Persona: It's all about the "relaxed but sharp" posture.
Whether you see him as a real-life Denji or a 5th-gen Loid Forger, there's no denying that Martin from CORTIS has mastered the art of the anime visual. If you want to see the comparisons for yourself, check out the #MartinCortis or #CortisAnime tags on TikTok—the edits are actually pretty wild.
Keep an eye on their next comeback; the hair color change might just unlock a whole new set of anime look-alikes.
Next Steps:
Go check out the "What You Want" music video and look for the specific shots where Martin is framed against the city skyline. You’ll see the Loid Forger resemblance immediately. Also, browse the CORTIS official Weverse to see Martin’s own drawings—they actually look like they could be concept art for a dark fantasy manga.