BTS received a diplomatic-level welcome in Mexico this week after being invited by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to the country’s historic National Palace — an appearance that drew an estimated 50,000 fans to Mexico City’s Zócalo square.
The seven-member K-pop group met privately with Sheinbaum at the National Palace before stepping onto the building’s central balcony to greet the massive crowd gathered outside. Fans began filling the square hours before the appearance, with many waving purple banners and BTS lightsticks while chanting the group’s name and singing several tracks from the group’s latest album, “ARIRANG”.
The members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — addressed fans briefly in Spanish and English, thanking Mexican ARMY for their years of support.
“I have missed you all. We have missed Mexico so much. The energy here is incredible,” V told the crowd in Spanish. “Thank you so much for loving us. See you next time. Goodbye.”
The visit comes as BTS continue their massive “ARIRANGG” world tour, their first major global run since completing mandatory military service in South Korea. Mexico has emerged as one of the strongest international markets for the group, with all three of their Mexico City concerts at Estadio GNP Seguros selling out rapidly. Reports from the Los Angeles Times noted that more than one million fans attempted to secure tickets for the shows, prompting Sheinbaum to personally advocate for additional dates.
The concerts themselves have become citywide events, with thousands gathering outside the venue even without tickets. Industry estimates cited by Korean media project the Mexico City run could generate more than $100 million in economic impact for the region.