'KPop Demon Hunters' Singer EJAE Takes the World Cup Stage

EJAE, the South Korean singer who lent her voice to the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a performance alongside Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicked off Thursday (CST) at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico faced South Africa in the first Group A match. A short program of performances from major artists preceded the game.

EJAE and Bocelli performed "DNA," the official theme song of the 2026 World Cup. The song drew attention for its Korean-language lyrics, including the line "또 넘어져도 난, 또다시 일어나" ("Even if I fall again, I rise again"). EJAE is reported to have written that section of the lyrics herself.

The singer shared her reaction on social media after the performance. "I can't believe what just happened," she wrote. "It was such an honor."

EJAE is one of several K-POP artists scheduled to appear during the tournament. BLACKPINK's Lisa is set to perform at the opening ceremony on June 12 local time at a stadium in Los Angeles. BTS has been confirmed for the halftime show at the World Cup final on July 19, marking the first halftime show in the tournament's history.