In a stunning display of global fandom, the South Korean supergroup BTS commanded a crowd of approximately 50,000 people in front of Mexico's National Palace in the capital's Zócalo square. The fans assembled hoping to catch a glimpse of the seven-member band, who made a special appearance on the palace's main balcony following a formal meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The event served as a spectacular prelude to the group's highly anticipated concert series in Mexico City. BTS is scheduled to perform three shows in the capital on May 7, 9, and 10. The demand for these performances was staggering, with all available tickets—numbering over 135,000—selling out within minutes of going on sale, leaving a vast number of dedicated fans without access.
During their balcony appearance, the members addressed the ecstatic crowd below. Group leader RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, expressed his gratitude in Spanish, telling the fans, "I love you, I adore you, thank you very much." Fellow member V, Kim Tae-hyung, also commented on the atmosphere, stating, "The energy here is incredible."
President Sheinbaum herself acknowledged the group's immense popularity and the frustration of fans who missed out on tickets. She revealed her efforts to secure additional performance dates, which included sending a formal letter to the President of South Korea to intervene on behalf of Mexican fans. Despite these diplomatic efforts, no new dates were announced.
Following the meeting, President Sheinbaum shared a photo on the social media platform X, showing her with the BTS members while holding their latest album. She was quoted as having told the group that they "need to come back next year," underscoring the cultural and economic impact of their visit.
The fervor for BTS in Mexico extends far beyond the concert venue. The group's influence is visible in daily life, with young fans recreating their intricate choreographies in public squares. Dedicated gatherings often involve fans sharing Korean food in establishments decorated with images of the band, and a notable number of enthusiasts have even begun studying the Korean language as a direct result of their fandom.
For many, the connection to the group is profound. Estefany Victoriano, a 25-year-old secretary interviewed by AFP, captured the sentiment of countless fans when she described BTS as "my entire world." The scenes at the National Palace solidify BTS's status as a worldwide phenomenon capable of drawing massive, passionate crowds wherever they go.
Based on reporting from g1.