'KPop Demon Hunters' singer EJAE to take World Cup opening stage

EJAE, who provided singing vocals for the main character Rumi and co-wrote several songs on the soundtrack for Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," answers questions at a press conference in Seoul in this 2025 file photo. Courtesy of Netflix

Singer-songwriter EJAE — best-known for co-writing and performing the theme song "Golden" for animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" — is set to take the stage at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Thursday (local time).

FIFA announced that she will join a star-studded lineup for a special show ahead of the tournament's kickoff match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

"DNA," the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem / Captured from FIFA's official site

She will join legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli and a lineup of special guest singers to debut the official theme song for the tournament, "DNA."

"Being a part of the official FIFA World Cup anthem means so much to me. It's especially meaningful because I was able to write Korean lyrics in the song — representing Korea on this stage is such an honor," EJAE said via FIFA.

"One of my favorite childhood memories is being in Seoul during the 2002 World Cup, and seeing the city unite. I'll never forget the feeling of seeing strangers on the street hug each other and celebrate. To me, that feeling of togetherness is what the World Cup means, and I'm grateful to be a part of it this year!”

BLACKPINK member Lisa accepts the award for Best Metaverse Performance during the MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., in this 2022 photo. AFP-Yonhap

FIFA shared that "DNA" embodies the spirit of solidarity and unity for this historic tournament, which is being co-hosted for the first time by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico — across 16 cities, featuring 48 competing teams.

The K-pop wave will continue into the U.S. leg of the tournament. The opening ceremony in Los Angeles on Friday (local time) will feature BlACKPINK’s Lisa as a main headliner alongside global pop icon Katy Perry. Lisa has teamed up with Brazilian artist Anitta and Nigerian rapper Rema for “Goals,” a track featured on the official World Cup soundtrack.

K-pop will also feature at the tournament's grand finale. For the first time in World Cup history, a massive NFL-style halftime show will be introduced during the final match in New Jersey on July 19, and BTS will take the stage for the performance.

K-pop boy group BTS poses after winning the Artist of the Year for the second time at the American Music Awards, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, May 25. Courtesy of BitHit Music