Hundreds of BTS fans have taken to the streets of Santiago to protest the Chilean government’s decision to suspend the K-pop group’s upcoming stadium concerts over pitch damage concerns.
Hundreds of devoted BTS fans took to the streets of Chile on Sunday in a vibrant protest against the government’s move to suspend the K-pop sensations’ upcoming October shows.
Supporters from the band’s dedicated fanbase known as Army marched through Santiago wearing purple outfits, waving matching balloons and holding picket signs. They were rallying against the sudden suspension of three highly anticipated gigs that formed part of the group’s «Arirang» world tour.
The South Korean group had been booked to play to crowds of more than 48,000 at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional between October 14 and 17. Demand was so exceptionally high that the October 14 date was added as an extra after the initial two shows sold out rapidly in April.
Chanting BTS hits and brandishing signs demanding «BTS to the National Stadium», the crowd made its way towards the La Moneda presidential palace.
Government’s response
Natalia Duco, the country’s Sports Minister, clarified that the suspension does not necessarily mean an outright cancellation. Unfortunately for the organisers, finding an alternative site is proving difficult as there are currently no other venues with the capacity to host such a massive audience in Santiago or neighbouring cities like Vina del Mar and Concepcion.
Officials have blamed technical issues for the roadblock. The National Sports Institute, the body in charge of approving events at the Estadio Nacional, explained that the sheer weight of the band’s planned 360-degree stage would exert roughly 600 tonnes of pressure on the pitch. Authorities fear this massive load will severely damage the grass and disrupt future sporting fixtures.
Furthermore, the government has strongly criticised the local concert promoter DG Medios for putting tickets on general sale before officially securing permission to use the stadium.
