Presidencia de México
On Wednesday, May 6, the global sensations of BTS held a high-profile meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace. Following their sit-down, the septet stepped onto a balcony overlooking the Zócalo, where, according to official government estimates, roughly 50,000 devoted fans had congregated to catch a glimpse of the icons.
The atmosphere in the capital’s historic center was electric. Members of the band offered heartfelt greetings to their local “ARMY” in both Spanish and English, eliciting waves of cheers and emotional responses from the massive crowd. Despite the sweltering heat, fans had camped out for hours, eagerly awaiting the group’s highly anticipated three-night residency at the Estadio GNP Seguros, which kicks off this Thursday, May 7.
Though their balcony appearance lasted only a fleeting five minutes, it served as a monumental moment for the thousands in attendance who were desperate to connect with the artists in person.
RM took the lead, addressing the sea of supporters with sincere gratitude: “Muchas gracias for having us,” he shared. “We are so excited for tomorrow’s performance. Let’s create amazing memories together! Te amo. Te quiero, muchas gracias.”
V also made a charming effort to connect with the audience. “Hello. My Spanish isn’t perfect, but I’m trying,” he told the crowd. “We have missed Mexico deeply. The energy here is truly unparalleled. Thank you for all your love. See you next time. Goodbye.”
Dressed in sophisticated, tailored suits, the group members were clearly moved by the sheer scale of the turnout, taking time to capture the scene with their personal devices.
President Sheinbaum offered a hopeful remark to the crowd, suggesting, “I’ve already told them they must return next year,” echoing the collective wish for a future, larger-scale performance in the Zócalo.
Following the event, the President took to social media to share a commemorative photo with the group. “I extend a warm welcome to one of the most cherished groups among Mexico’s youth: BTS,” she wrote. “It is a testament to how music and shared values can bridge the gap between Mexico and South Korea.”
The visit was not without discourse, however, as some fans voiced concerns online, urging public figures to avoid politicizing the group’s presence in the country.
With tickets for the upcoming shows in Mexico City completely sold out—amounting to over 136,000 passes—the enthusiasm surrounding the ARIRANG tour remains at an all-time high. President Sheinbaum has been a vocal advocate for bringing the band to Mexico, even coordinating with South Korean officials earlier this year to facilitate more opportunities for local fans to see the group live.
