Jimin's World Cup shirt sells for US$110,000 as BTS dominates charity auction

K-pop superstars BTS have once again demonstrated their immense global influence, this time through a highly successful charity auction. A shirt worn by member Jimin during the group's performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show fetched an astonishing US$110,000.

The item, worn by the idol at MetLife Stadium, topped Christie's "One Goal: An Auction to Benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund." The seven-day online auction concluded on Wednesday, drawing bids from 24 countries and raising a total of US$652,630. Remarkably, BTS's seven contributed items generated US$300,300, accounting for approximately 46% of all proceeds.

Jimin's shirt, an Agro Studio piece, led the sales, but every member's auctioned item significantly exceeded expectations. V's scarf and Jungkook's jacket each sold for US$46,200, Suga's trousers reached US$33,000, J-Hope's gloves garnered US$28,600, RM's boots went for US$19,800, and Jin's belt closed at US$16,500. Christie's had initially estimated the value of each BTS item between US$1,000 and US$5,000.

Other notable memorabilia also attracted high bids. An Argentina jersey signed by Lionel Messi and gifted to Shakira sold for US$66,000. Madonna's fingerless gloves from the halftime show opener fetched US$41,800, and Justin Bieber's sneakers from his acoustic performance sold for US$26,400. All proceeds from the auction will directly support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to improve access to education for children worldwide.

In related news, BTS recently made headlines by announcing their decision not to submit any of their music for next year's Grammy Awards. The group cited concerns over language requirements in a newly introduced category, stating that music should be judged on its merit rather than region or language. This decision came despite their song "Swim" being a strong contender for Song of the Year.

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We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank you to Army and everyone who is always with us.