A charity auction just showed how much celebrity power can boost fundraising. Jimin's shirt from BTS, worn during 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime, fetched a whopping US$110,000. This was part of a Christie's event supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, wrapping up July 29,2026.
The week-long auction saw US$652,630 in bids from 24 countries. BTS's gear was central,pulling in nearly half the total . The seven members' outfits brought about US$300,300,46% of all funds raised.
Jimin's Agro Studio shirt was the star. BTS's performance outfits smashed expectations. V's scarf and Jungkook's jacket each went for US$46,200. Suga's trousers fetched US$33,000. J-Hope's gloves hit US$28,600,RM's boots US$19,800,and Jin's belt US$16,500. Original estimates were US$1,000-5,000,showing BTS memorabilia's massive demand .
Jimin's shirt wasn't the only big seller; the World Cup final's match ball also hit six figures. Other items included a signed Argentina jersey from Lionel Messi at US$66,000, and Madonna's halftime gloves at US$41,800. Justin Bieber's sneakers went for US$26,400.
All money from the auction goes to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,boosting kids' educational access worldwide. This effort links sports,entertainment, and charity, with BTS leveraging their global reach for good causes.
Besides their auction feats, BTS made waves announcing they won't submit any tracks from Arirang for the Grammys,questioning the new category's eligibility rules. They said music should cross borders and languages.
“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,” they said.
This decision follows their single Swim reaching number one in the U.S. But its English lyrics exclude it from the Asian Pop category, needing an Asian language focus.
Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO,expressed disappointment at BTS's choice but stressed category celebrates Asian pop's richness,not language or regional divides. 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.”
BTS keeps making waves, both in music and beyond. Their auction success and Grammy stance show their commitment to challenging industry norms and pushing for real change.
