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

BTS have once again proved their unrivalled star power after a shirt worn by Jimin during the group’s Dynamite performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show sold for an eye‑watering US$110,000 (S$141,000).The item worn by the K‑pop idol at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month topped Christie’s One Goal: An Auction to Benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, attracting the highest bid of the entire event.The seven‑day online auction, which wrapped on Wednesday (Jul 29), pulled in US$652,630 from bidders across 24 countries.And BTS alone accounted for nearly half of that total. The seven items worn by the group during their World Cup set generated US$300,300, a remarkable 46 per cent of all proceeds.Jimin’s Agro Studio shirt led the pack, but every member’s item smashed expectations. V’s scarf and Jungkook’s jacket each hit US$46,200, Suga’s trousers reached US$33,000, J‑Hope’s gloves sold for US$28,600, RM’s boots went for US$19,800, and Jin’s belt closed at US$16,500. Christie’s had originally estimated each BTS piece at just US$1,000 to US$5,000.The only item to match Jimin’s final price was the official match ball from the 2026 World Cup final, which also sold for US$110,000.Other star‑studded memorabilia drew hefty bids too. An Argentina jersey signed by Lionel Messi and gifted to Shakira fetched US$66,000, while Madonna’s fingerless gloves from the halftime show opener sold for US$41,800. A pair of Skylrk sneakers worn by Justin Bieber during his acoustic performance of Everything Hallelujah went for US$26,400.Every dollar raised will go directly to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, supporting access to education for children around the world.BTS have been in the headlines this week after deciding to snub the Grammy Awards.The boy band has decided that none of the tracks from Arirang will be submitted for next year’s consideration. All seven members – RM, Jimin, V, Suga, Jungkook, Jin and J‑Hope – posted the same message, criticising the new category’s language requirement and arguing that music should not be judged by “region or language”.Their statement read: “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.”The move comes despite Swim, the group’s recent US number one, being widely expected to compete for Song of the Year. Its English‑language vocals would have made it ineligible for the new Asian Pop category, which requires “meaningful use” of an Asian language.In response, Grammys boss Harvey Mason Jr stressed that the Recording Academy’s new Asian‑specific category was designed to celebrate artists rather than separate them.In a statement shared as debate intensified online, the CEO said he respected the group’s decision but pushed back on claims that the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category reduces artists to language or region.He said: “I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision."I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia… It’s never to divide, but to expand.”