K-pop stars BTS draw 50,000-strong crowd at Mexico’s National Palace
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Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum and members of BTS on a balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City on May 6.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MEXICO CITY – Around 50,000 fans of K-pop superstars BTS gathered at Zocalo Square outside Mexico’s National Palace on May 6 to get a look at the group, who waved to the crowd from a balcony after meeting President Claudia Sheinbaum on her invitation.
The South Korean boy band will perform sold-out shows in Mexico City on May 7, 9 and 10 as part of their Arirang world tour, with more than 135,000 tickets for the stadium showcase getting snapped up in a matter of minutes.
They returned to the global spotlight in March after an almost four-year pause so its seven members could carry out their obligatory military service.
Leader RM said to the crowd in Spanish: “I love you, I adore you. Thank you very much.”
Member V said that the group had “missed Mexico”, adding: “The energy here is incredible. Thank you so much for loving us.”
RM speaks as Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and other members of BTS stand on a balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City on May 6.
PHOTO: REUTERS
“I already told them they have to come back next year,” Ms Sheinbaum said, later posting a photo with BTS on social media and holding their latest album Arirang.
The Mexican government also honoured the septet as “distinguished visitors”, presenting them a commemorative plaque recognising their influence on Mexican youth and their messages of respect, empathy, diversity and peace.
When ticket sales opened in January, Ms Sheinbaum described the concerts as a “historic moment”, emphasising how long Mexican fans had waited for their shows.
BTS’ visit is expected to generate a significant economic impact. According to the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce, the concerts are projected to create approximately US$107.5 million (S$136.3 million) in economic activity.
BTS posing with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the presidential office in Mexico City on May 6.
PHOTO: EPA
Streaming data also reflects BTS’ popularity in Mexico.
According to figures released in 2025 by Spotify, Mexico ranked as the fifth-largest K-pop streaming market globally. Within the market, BTS was the most-streamed K-pop artiste among local listeners. The group’s 2020 album Map Of The Soul: 7 was named the most-streamed K-pop album in Mexico, while eight of BTS’ releases occupied the top 10 spots on the chart.
Their 2020 hit Dynamite was also ranked the most-streamed K-pop song in Mexico since the genre’s global boom. Seven of the top 10 songs on the same chart were BTS tracks.
About 50,000 fans of BTS gathered at Zocalo Square as they wait for BTS and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum to appear on a balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City on May 6.
PHOTO: REUTERS
“They’re my whole world,” Ms Estefany Victoriano, a 25-year-old secretary, said at the May 6 event.
Another onlooker, 18-year-old Zoe Perez, was on the verge of tears, saying: “I’m speechless, and it’s a very beautiful feeling to see them in person. Since I couldn’t get tickets, well, it makes me a little emotional.” AFP, THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
