Jimin of the group BTS set a record for the highest price at a charity auction when the top he wore on the World Cup final stage sold for $110,000 (about 159 million won).
According to foreign media including the New York Times (NYT) in the United States on the 29th (local time), the auction "One Goal: Auction for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund," organized by the auction house Christie's, closed a weeklong online bidding that day.
The event raised a total of $652,630 (about 943 million won), far exceeding initial expectations. Collectors from 24 countries around the world engaged in heated bidding wars.
BTS's influence was particularly unrivaled. At the halftime show of the final between Spain and Argentina on the 19th, the outfits and accessories they wore fetched a total of $300,300 (about 443 million won). That amounted to 46% of the overall auction sales, nearly half.
In addition to Jimin's shirt, which set the top price, V's scarf and Jungkook's jacket each sold for $46,200. Next, Suga's pants ($33,000), J-Hope's gloves ($28,600), RM's boots ($19,800), and Jin's belt ($16,500) were among members' belongings that one after another went for high prices.
Alongside Jimin's stage outfit, the item that tied for the highest price was the match-used ball from the final ($110,000). In addition, an Argentina national team jersey signed by Lionel Messi that he had gifted to pop star Shakira sold for $66,000, and goalkeeper gloves bearing Madonna's autograph from the opening show went for $41,800. A pair of sneakers worn by Justin Bieber during his acoustic performance also found a new owner for $26,400.
All proceeds raised will go to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The donations will be used to provide children in underprivileged areas with access to quality education and to create environments where they can fully enjoy soccer.