Mexican media is absolutely buzzing over the incredible passion for BTS! Not only has the 10-year wait for local fans finally ended, but the three-show run is also giving the local economy a massive boost, especially for hotels and other businesses.
Major and prestigious daily newspapers like El Universal, Milenio, and Excélsior heavily covered the meeting between BTS and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on the 6th (local time), highlighting the group’s immense influence.
The media particularly focused on the symbolic moment when the members appeared on the balcony of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum, overlooking the heart of Mexico City, Zócalo Square.
Milenio reported, “As the Kings of K-pop waved from the balcony with the Mexican President, Zócalo Square transformed into a massive purple sea,” noting that the gathering of approximately 50,000 ARMYs, which paralyzed the square, was an extraordinary event.
El Universal, one of Mexico’s most influential dailies, analyzed BTS’s impact on the local music market and culture with data. The outlet shared the local atmosphere under the headline, “Mexico City is the city that consumes BTS’s music the most in the world.”
The paper added, “Mexico City is the hub where BTS’s musical influence is most active,” and reported that “this visit holds great meaning for Mexican ARMYs, completely quenching a thirst that has lasted for 10 years.”
Another outlet, Excélsior, highlighted the social messages and the high level of respect BTS received from the Mexican government. It praised the group, stating, “BTS’s messages of friendship, peace, and love knocked on the heart of Mexico,” and “BTS’s music has instilled a sense of community and positive values in Mexican youth.”
On this day, the Mexican government presented BTS with “Visitantes Distinguidos” (Distinguished Visitors) certificates and commemorative plaques. This was in recognition of their efforts to inspire Mexican youth and spread values of respect, empathy, diversity, and peace through their music.
Foreign media outlets agreed that it is “extremely rare for a pop star to receive this level of courtesy from the Mexican President’s office.”
The media also pointed out the “BTS economic boom.” According to the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce, the economic ripple effect from the three performances of the “ARIRANG” world tour is estimated to reach approximately 107 million USD (about 155.7 billion KRW).
The Chamber of Commerce stated, “As fans flocked from across Mexico and neighboring countries for the BTS concerts, hotel reservation rates in Mexico City surged,” adding that “sales at restaurants and cafes near the venue, Estadio GNP Seguros, jumped 3 to 4 times higher than usual.”
The reaction from local fans has been explosive. One fan interviewed by El Universal shed tears, saying, “I’ve watched BTS since I was 13, and now I’m 25. After waiting 10 years, seeing them in person feels like a dream.”
Meanwhile, BTS will officially begin their Mexico schedule with a performance at Estadio GNP Seguros on the 7th (local time).
