Three shows in Mexico City generate 156 billion won in economic impact, and the Mexican President opens the Zócalo square balcony for them!
Reuters recently projected that the total revenue for BTS’s world tour ‘ARIRANG’ will reach approximately $1.8 billion (about 2.7 trillion won). They explained that this figure is comparable to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking ‘The Eras Tour’ and Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’.
This analysis suggests that in terms of audience density and revenue scale, BTS’s tour is on par with Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’, which Pollstar reported earned $1.04 billion (about 1.5 trillion won) in one year in 2023.
In Mexico, they even surpass Taylor Swift! According to the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce (Canaco), the four shows of ‘The Eras Tour’ in 2023 created an economic effect of about 1.012 billion pesos (approx. $58.8 million or 86 billion won). In contrast, BTS is estimated to generate about 1.86 billion pesos (approx. $107.5 million or 156 billion won) with just three shows.
This figure is about 83% higher than Taylor Swift’s record, proving the incredible ticket power and purchasing power of the global BTS fandom.
BTS’s visit to Mexico grabbed the spotlight from major global media outlets. On the 6th (local time), Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced during a press conference that the balcony of the National Palace, a symbol of the city’s historic center, would be opened for BTS. When they appeared on the balcony for about five minutes, around 50,000 citizens filled the square.
Regarding this, the Indian daily The Indian Express reported, “The balcony is a symbolic place where the president usually greets citizens during national events or Independence Day. No international musician has ever stood there with a sitting president. BTS is the first to do so.”
Music outlet Billboard and news channel CNN also highlighted their status, reporting that BTS’s visit to the Mexican National Palace was an unprecedented event that has already sparked international buzz.
Beyond concert revenue, BTS’s impact on lodging, tourism, and overall consumption in the cities they visit has become a full-blown economic phenomenon. The world is now focusing on the economic effects of ‘BTSnomics’, which stands shoulder-to-shoulder with legendary pop stars.
