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BTS Greets 50,000 Fans at Mexico City Palace After Meeting President
The K-pop group appeared on a balcony of Mexico's National Palace on May 6, drawing tens of thousands of fans to the Zocalo within hours. The event preceded three sold-out concerts in Mexico City expected to generate more than $100 million for the local economy. BTS met with the president ahead of the appearances.
May 6, 11:50 PM·2m read3 sources
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K-pop group BTS appeared on a balcony of Mexico's National Palace on May 6, greeting thousands of fans who gathered in the capital after a meeting with the president. The appearance drew around 50,000 fans to the Zocalo in less than five hours, according to multiple reports.
Fans had assembled rapidly following word of the group's visit. The event took place one day before the first of three sold-out concerts scheduled for May 7, 9 and 10. The shows, part of the ARIRANG tour, are projected to bring more than $100 million into Mexico City's economy.
News of the balcony appearance spread quickly, prompting a surge of fans to the main square. Within hours the crowd reached approximately 50,000 people, filling the historic plaza. Local authorities managed the large gathering without reported incidents. The rapid assembly underscored the group's enduring popularity years after their debut.
The three concerts are expected to generate more than $100 million for the city. That figure includes spending on tickets, lodging, transportation and related tourism. Officials welcomed the influx as a significant boost to the local economy. The shows mark one of the largest entertainment events in the capital this year.
" — Al Jazeera, May 7 2026 The group had met privately with the president earlier on May 6 before stepping onto the balcony. The greeting lasted long enough for fans to capture images and videos that spread immediately on social media. BTS last performed in Mexico City to massive audiences before their hiatus for mandatory military service.
The current run of shows represents their return to large-scale touring in the region. The combination of the official palace visit and the upcoming concerts created a wave of excitement that filled the Zocalo in record time. Organizers had anticipated strong demand but the speed of the crowd's formation surprised even seasoned observers of the group's fan base.
