World Cup 2026: A Look Back At The Top Korean Cultural Moments
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 11: Andrea Bocelli and EJAE perform during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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For 39 days the 2026 World Cup brought people across the globe together through their shared love of soccer—ahem, I mean football—and delivered plenty of memorable moments. From Norwegian football fans performing the Viking Row to Scotland’s “Tartan Army” parading through the streets of Boston in kilts and carrying bagpipes, various countries proudly showcased their distinctive cultures and passion for the sport on the global stage. And South Korea was no exception, despite its disappointing early exit from the tournament.
Here’s a look back at the standout Korean cultural moments from the 2026 World Cup:
EJAE Performs ‘DNA,’ The Official Anthem Of The 2026 World Cup, During The Opening Ceremony
Korean American singer-songwriter and KPop Demon Hunters star E.J.A.E. performed onstage with legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli during the World Cup’s opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11th. They sang “DNA,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which EJAE also co-wrote.
“Being a part of the Official FIFA World Cup Anthem means so much to me,” EJAE said in a statement. “It’s especially meaningful because I was able to write Korean lyrics in the song. Representing South Korea on this stage is such an honor.”
On the official track, EJAE and Bocelli are joined by French DJ and producer David Guetta and American rapper and songwriter Megan Thee Stallion.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 11: Andrea Bocelli and EJAE perform in the Opening Ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
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The Camaraderie Between South Korean And Mexican Soccer Fans
South Korea may have been beaten by Mexico in this year’s World Cup, but there seemed to be plenty of goodwill between fans from the two countries. Countless clips on social media showed Korean and Mexican soccer fans partying it up and having the time of their lives.
Here are just a few examples:
Jung Ho-yeon Makes A Surprise Appearance At The 2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony
South Korean model and actress Jung Ho-yeon made a surprise appearance at the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony, presenting the World Cup trophy alongside Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz. For the fifth consecutive World Cup, the trophy was housed inside a bespoke Louis Vuitton trunk.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 19: Carlos Alcaraz and Hoyeon present the Louis Vuitton trophy trunk containing the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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Ho-yeon, best known for her breakout role in Squid Gameis a global ambassador for the French luxury brand and stars in South Korean director Na Hong-jin’s new sci-fi action thriller Hopewhich opens in theaters across North America on September 9th.
BTS Performs During The World Cup’s First-Ever Halftime Show
Global superstars BTS joined Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and others in performing at the World Cup’s first-ever halftime showwhere the K-pop septet performed their English-language hit “Dynamite.” According to The AthleticBTS, Shakira and Madonna did not receive a performance fee and chose instead to donate their time to Global Citizen, the advocacy organization that co-produced the halftime show. (It should be noted that some outlets have stated that none of the performers were paid.)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 19: (L-R) Jimin, Suga, V, RM, J-Hope, Jin and Jungkook of BTS during the Topps Final Halftime Show at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, where the halftime show was held, is known for hosting numerous K-pop concerts. BTS will return to the stadium in less than two weeks on August 1st and 2nd as part of their ARIRANG world tour.
