South Korean pop giants BTS met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace on Wednesday, May 6. Following the formal reception, the septet stepped onto a balcony at the presidential headquarters to wave to a staggering crowd of approximately 50,000 people who had flooded into the Zócalo according to local government estimates, Billboard reports.
Braving the sweltering heat, the dedicated fanbase known as ARMY waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the musicians before their three highly anticipated ARIRANG tour concerts kick off in the capital on Thursday, May 7. Addressing the country’s main public square, the group delivered heartfelt messages in both English and Spanish that elicited cheers, smiles and tears from the euphoric audience.
Members’ messages
Though the balcony appearance lasted a mere five minutes, it was a dream come true for those longing to see their idols in person. RM was the first to grab the microphone to share his appreciation. Blending his languages, he thanked the crowd for having them and expressed his sheer excitement for the upcoming stage performances before adding an affectionate «Te amo. Te quiero. Muchas gracias.»
V followed up by reading a prepared Spanish message from his mobile phone. He modestly noted his language skills but stressed how much the group had missed Mexico and its incredible energy. He thanked the fans for their immense love and warmly bid them farewell until next time.
Dressed sharply in navy-blue and beige suits, the artists seemed genuinely amazed by the sheer scale of the turnout in the Plaza de la Constitución. Capturing the moment, several members pulled out their own phones to record the roaring crowd.
President’s address
President Sheinbaum briefly addressed the square to declare she had already told the group they must return next year, echoing the widespread hope for a free BTS concert in the historic plaza. She later shared a photograph with the band on her social media channels, warmly welcoming the beloved youth icons and stating that music and shared values unite South Korea and Mexico.
However, the presidential invitation was not universally praised. Some fans took to social media to criticise the event and urge the Mexican leader not to politicise the band’s visit to the country.
BTS are in Mexico City for a trio of performances at the GNP Seguros Stadium scheduled for May 7, 9 and 10. Concert promoter Ocesa noted that more than 136,000 tickets were snapped up for the completely sold-out run.
President Sheinbaum previously championed the fans’ cause after those stadium tickets vanished in under an hour. In late January she revealed she had written to her South Korean counterpart, Lee Jae Myung, requesting additional tour dates in Mexico.
A few weeks later she confirmed the South Korean government had responded and passed the appeal directly to HYBE, the entertainment agency managing the supergroup.
