About 50,000 fans gathered in front of Mexico's presidential palace to see K-pop group BTS, in a scene that demonstrated both the global influence of Korean pop culture and cultural exchange between Korea and Mexico.
According to AFP on Thursday (local time), BTS met with President Claudia Sheinbaum at the presidential palace in Mexico City and then appeared on a side balcony to greet fans filling the plaza. Local authorities said approximately 50,000 members of the "Army," BTS's fandom, gathered at Zocalo Square in front of the palace to see the group. The massive plaza was instantly filled with the energy radiating from fans.
Around 5:06 p.m. that afternoon, J-Hope appeared with a light dance, followed by other members including Jimin, Jin, RM, V, Jungkook and Suga, who stood alongside President Sheinbaum on the balcony. Dressed in black and light white suits, the members waved and made finger hearts in response to the cheers. Some members took out their phones to record the fans themselves.
Leader RM greeted the crowd in Spanish, saying, "Los amo, los adoro. ¡Muchas gracias!" (I love you. Thank you so much). He then said in English, "We're looking forward to tomorrow's concert. Let's have a fun time."
V began in Spanish, saying, "I'm not good at Spanish, but I'll try," before adding, "Mexican fans, I missed you so much. The energy here is unbelievably amazing. I've already promised to come back next year."
President Sheinbaum applauded the members' remarks and then took the microphone, responding, "I've already told BTS they must come back next year." The cheers from fans reached their peak.
Earlier, President Sheinbaum released a photo with BTS on social media, saying, "I sincerely welcome BTS, one of the most beloved groups among young Mexicans," and, "Music and values unite Mexico and Korea." The presidential office said Sheinbaum described BTS as "a group that delivers messages of friendship, peace and love."
Reactions from fans on the ground were equally passionate. Estefani Victoriano, a 25-year-old secretary, told AFP, "BTS is my whole world." Joy Perez, 18, who visited the palace after failing to obtain a ticket, said with tears in her eyes, "Just seeing them in person is overwhelming. It's a feeling I can't put into words."
BTS will hold comeback concerts at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City for three days on the 7th, 9th and 10th. All tickets for the approximately 135,000 seats sold out within minutes of going on sale.
The visit to the presidential palace is being evaluated as a scene that symbolically demonstrates the global influence of Korean pop culture, going beyond a simple event. After all members completed their military service (Suga was discharged from alternative service), BTS resumed activities on March 21 with a performance at Gwanghwamun in Seoul, unveiling their new album "ARIRANG" after three years and nine months. The group has since continued its world tour connecting 34 cities across Japan, North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.
