Entertainment

Jungkook divides fans as he’s set to perform at World Cup in Qatar

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2 years ago

November 14, 2022

Jungkook divides fans as he’s set to perform at World Cup in Qatar

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BTS star Jungkook has divided fans after it was announced that he would be performing at the World Cup in Qatar this year.

Jungkook will be joining the likes of Robbie Williams at the Al Bayt Stadium month for the opening ceremony to kick off the competition.

BTS announced the news saying: ‘Proud to announce that Jung Kook is part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Soundtrack & will perform at the World Cup opening ceremony. Stay tuned!’

However, given Qatar’s human rights record, some have been left disappointed in the star.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and anyone found participating in same-sex sexual activity can be punished by up to seven years in prison.

Foreign Office advice notes ‘any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent’.

Jungkook divides fans as he’s set to perform at World Cup in Qatar

A report earlier this year also found that more than 6000 migrant workers have died in Qatar since it won the right to host the World Cup 10 years ago.

One person wrote on Twitter: ‘Jungkook performing at the world cup in Qatar is the most hypocritical s**t I’ve ever seen. One day they’re at the UN advocating for Human Rights, the next days he’s in Qatar getting millions for a performance despite grave HR violations. So the UN stuff was just performative huh.’

방탄소년단 ‘정국’이 2022 FIFA 카타르 월드컵 공식 사운드트랙과 월드컵 개막식 공연에 참여합니다. 많은 기대 부탁드립니다!
Proud to announce that Jung Kook is part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Soundtrack & will perform at the World Cup opening ceremony. Stay tuned!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/MwJ2kdNRBp

— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) November 12, 2022

‘Armys defending a homophobic country such as qatar just bc jungkook is performing… Disgusting,’ one more said.

Another added: ‘okay I LOVE BTS but why does no one understand that we should not be like OMG JUNG KOOK SO PROUD but that we should be angry that BTS takes part in a World Cup everyone knows has violated human rights…promoting the World Cup in Qatar sucks, don‘t pretend like it doesn‘t.’

Others have defended the star, with one writing: ‘No because this is absolutely historical my god jungkook being part of the soundtrack of the biggest sport event AND PERFORMING FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORLD CUP????? i’m so proud of him i could literally cry.’

‘The World Cup is not just a sporting event. It’s the most watched, anticipated, and celebrated event with unrivaled cultural impact. Around 5 Billion (more than half the world population) will be watching. The World Cup will also be Jungkook’ debut stage as a soloist. A Legend!’ another said.

Angels hitmaker Robbie has also been criticised for the move. Meanwhile, Joe Lycett recently hit out at David Beckham.

In August, the former footballer confirmed his reported £10million deal with an advert promoting Qatar tourism released in September ahead of the major sporting event.

In a video message, comedian Joe addressed David directly and called for him to end his relationship with Qatar.