From Lee Jae to Lisa and BTS: Korean Singers Light Up the World Cup

Korean singer Lee Jae delivered a powerful performance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup official theme song, 'Hayya Hayya (Better Together),' incorporating Korean lyrics at the opening ceremony in Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium. Lee Jae, known for singing the soundtrack of the Netflix animation 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' joined global artists like Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, and Megan Thee Stallion for the collaborative track.

The inclusion of Korean lyrics, reportedly penned by Lee Jae himself, highlights the growing global influence of K-pop. The North, Central, and South American World Cup is seeing unprecedented participation from Korean artists, signaling a significant expansion of K-pop's presence on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Further amplifying K-pop's reach, Blackpink member Lisa is set to perform at the opening ceremony in Los Angeles. The excitement builds towards the final, where global superstars BTS will headline the halftime show in New Jersey. This marks the first time Korean artists will feature prominently in both the opening and final events of a World Cup.

This heightened presence follows BTS member Jungkook's solo performance at the 2022 Qatar World Cup opening ceremony. The collective participation of multiple K-pop acts in the 2026 tournament suggests a strengthening of K-pop's global appeal and its ability to connect with diverse audiences through major international events.

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I can't believe what just happened. It was a glorious moment.