South Korean superstar Jungkook will play at the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup. The eyes of the world will be on the pop star as he performs ahead of the 22nd edition of FIFA’s global showpiece.
This year's tournament is shrouded in controversy relating to human rights issues, with a reported 6,500 migrant workers losing their life since Qatar were awarded the event in 2010. A Guardian report last year stated 37 deaths were directly linked to constructing stadiums for the World Cup.
Ostracising of LGBT individuals in Qatar, a country governed by Sharia Law, has also been condemned. Nevertheless, the football commences this weekend when the host nation face Ecuador.
READ MORE: Leeds United's new priorities with Rodrigo competition, key recruitment call and striker decision
The fixture takes place this Sunday at 4pm GMT, with England’s World Cup campaign kicking off a day later against Iran. Ahead of the first game, an extravagant ceremony will officially open the tournament.
Robbie Williams will perform, following on from his appearance on the same stage in Russia four years ago. Columbian household name Shakira is also rumoured to give a rendition of her 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka.
Jungkook is an emerging talent in the English-speaking world but boasts iconic status in his home country. LeedsLive profiled the popstar before his performance to the world on Sunday.
Who is Jungkook?
Despite holding childhood ambitions to become a badminton player, the 25-year-old first made a splash in 2011 after auditioning for talent show Superstar K in his home country. Jungkook soon joined the seven-man band BTS, where he is the youngest member.
Hits include “Butter”, “Permission to Dance” and “Savage Love” and they were the quickest artist to release four US number ones since Justin Timberlake in 2006.
Their 2020 album Map of the Soul: 7 is the best-selling album of all time in South Korea. Jungkook is the lead vocalist and most prominent member of the band and has also featured sporadically as a solo artist.
Why is he performing at the World Cup?
The BTS Twitter account announced last week that Jungkook will perform at the World Cup opening ceremony. A post read: “Proud to announce that Jungkook is part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Soundtrack & will perform at the World Cup opening ceremony. Stay tuned!”
Tottenham Hotspur striker Heung-Min Son has spoken of his admiration for BTS. A fellow South Korean, Last year, he said: “I think they’re (BTS) national heroes,” he added. “I think it’s incredible, you know, what they do is for Korean people, (it) makes us really proud and really happy.”
READ MORE
Leeds United's chaotic Premier League season can be summed up in five defining moments
Joe Gelhardt facing his biggest Leeds United challenge yet in bid to send Marsch message
Leeds United mid-season player ratings: Trio stand out but Bamford and Llorente struggle
FA make Elland Road decision as plans submitted for Euro 2028 bid to be held in UK and Ireland
Alfie McCalmont latest as Leeds United coach provides midfielder verdict and plan
Leeds United approaching Charlie Cresswell decision as Millwall loan clause moves into focus
