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BTS performs "Dynamite" during the first-ever World Cup halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 (local time). / Courtesy of AFP, Yonhap News

Artists representing K-culture, including BTS and actress Jung Ho-yeon, spectacularly adorned the finale of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On July 19 (local time), BTS took the stage for the halftime show of the tournament's final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States. Having flown to the U.S. immediately after wrapping up their "Arirang" world tour performance in Paris, France, the previous day, the members appeared on stage in coordinated outfits of black, red, and white to belt out "Dynamite." This track is the very song that brought BTS the joy of scoring their first-ever number one on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2020.

Directly following the performance, BTS shared their thoughts through their agency, Big Hit Music, stating, "The World Cup is an event we've loved watching since we were young, so it is an honor to stand on its first-ever final halftime show." They added, "We are delighted to put on a performance for such a great cause, shouting out love alongside wonderful artists and children. It feels just like a dream."

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Actress Jeong Ho-yeon (left) and Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz unveil the trophy trunk case for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States on July 19 (local time). / Courtesy of AFP, Yonhap News

Jeong Ho-yeon, who became a familiar face to global fans through Netflix's "Squid Game," caught everyone's attention by making an unannounced appearance at the event unveiling the championship trophy before the match. Having spent until last week visiting domestic movie theaters to promote the film "Hope," she appeared alongside Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, carrying the trophy trunk case crafted by the global fashion brand Louis Vuitton. With her background as a fashion model, Jung currently serves as an ambassador for Louis Vuitton.

With this, this World Cup will go down as a highly rare instance in tournament history where leading K-pop stars consecutively graced both the opening and closing stages.

Yee Jae, who was in charge of singing and composing "Golden," a track on the soundtrack for the animated film "K-Pop: Demon Hunters," collaborated with visually impaired crossover singer Andrea Bocelli to perform the official anthem "DNA" at the opening ceremony held in Mexico City on the 11th of last month. Blackpink's Lisa also performed the official theme song "Goals" alongside Anitta and Rema during the US-Paraguay match held in Los Angeles on the same day.

Meanwhile, this halftime show—with Chris Martin, the leader and vocalist of the world-renowned rock band Coldplay, serving as artistic director to emphasize harmony across generations and races—featured a star-studded lineup of global artists including the "Queen of Pop" Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Shakira alongside BTS.

Entering the stadium while riding a dune buggy driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, Madonna kicked off the show by singing her 2000 hit track "Music." Her dynamic and seductive movements, defying her age as she approaches 70, instantly heated up the venue.

Next, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led an orchestra alongside Muppets from the children's TV show "Sesame Street," raising the excitement by playing The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," a long-beloved football anthem.

Taking the stage next, Justin Bieber drew cheers by adding a guitar performance to his song "Everything Hallelujah" released last year. Finally, Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy belted out the tournament's official theme song "Dai Dai," pushing the performance's energy to its absolute peak.

                                                                                                        Cho Seong-joon