Global pop icons BTS were greeted by a massive crowd of over 50,000 people in Zócalo Square as they visited the Presidential Palace in Mexico City. The group accepted an official invitation from President Claudia Sheinbaum ahead of their sold-out "BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’" performances in the capital. President Sheinbaum praised the band’s music for delivering "messages of friendship, peace, and love" and personally invited them to return to the country next year.
During the visit, the members of BTS held a 40-minute conversation with President Sheinbaum before appearing on the palace balcony to greet the public. The historic plaza was filled with deafening chants and fans singing along to the group’s hits even before their appearance. In a gesture of gratitude, RM thanked the President and the citizens in Spanish, expressing the group's excitement for their upcoming concerts.
The group’s arrival has triggered a significant economic surge for Mexico City. The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce projects that the three-night concert run will contribute approximately USD 115.3 million to the local economy. This financial impact is mirrored by staggering streaming data; Mexico City holds the record for the highest number of BTS streams on Spotify, contributing over 606 million plays.
Demand for the three-night residency at Estadio GNP Seguros on May 7, 9, and 10 was overwhelming. More than one million fans reportedly joined the digital queue for only 150,000 available tickets, resulting in a total sell-out in just 37 minutes.
This tour follows the historic success of their March 2024 album, ARIRANG, which saw its lead single "SWIM" top the Billboard Hot 100 while the album itself claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. ARIRANG currently stands as the biggest debut of 2026, further solidifying BTS’ enduring influence and cultural resonance in the global music market.
