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K-pop Group Draws 50,000 Fans to Mexico City Palace Before Concerts
The seven-member South Korean group met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at her official invitation and later greeted fans from a balcony of the National Palace. The appearance in the Zocalo square drew a crowd of around 50,000 within hours ahead of three sold-out concerts expected to generate more than $100 million for the city.
May 6, 9:57 PM·2m read3 sources
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A K-pop supergroup met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for about 40 minutes at her office in Mexico City on May 6 before appearing alongside her on a balcony of the National Palace. The group waved to fans gathered in the capital's central Zocalo square, which filled with around 50,000 people within less than five hours.
Fans held signs reading "BTS is always in the heart of Mexico" and "Welcome to Mexico," while some were seen in tears after catching a glimpse. The appearance came ahead of the group's concerts at Estadio GNP Seguros on May 7 and May 9-10 as part of its ongoing "Arirang" world tour.
All three shows sold out rapidly after tickets went on sale. The concerts are expected to generate more than $100 million for Mexico City, with the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce estimating an economic impact of around $107.5 million.
Sheinbaum had earlier told a regular press briefing that the group would visit the presidential office and greet the public from one of the palace's balconies. She praised the group's music for consistently delivering messages of friendship, peace and love.
Sheinbaum had described the concerts as a "historic moment" when their schedules were fixed in January, noting strong anticipation among young fans in Mexico. The meeting occurred at her official invitation, according to the group's agency.
Mexico ranks as the world's fifth-largest market for K-pop. The group is the most-streamed act among local K-pop fans according to Spotify's 2025 figures. The Zocalo square was packed with fans known as ARMY and local residents. Members of the group reacted as they stood on the balcony in photos distributed by news agencies.
>"BTS is always in the heart of Mexico" — Fan sign displayed in Zocalo square, May 6 2026 (Yonhap) The group is set to perform three times at the multipurpose stadium. Earlier in the day Sheinbaum spoke positively about the visit during her regular briefing.
