BTS received VIP treatment in Mexico.
BTS met with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum at the presidential office in Mexico City on the 6th (local time). The visit was arranged at the official invitation of President Sheinbaum and lasted about 40 minutes starting at 4:50 p.m.
President Sheinbaum welcomed them, saying many locals had long awaited BTS's performance. The Mexican government honored them as "Visitantes Distinguidos" (distinguished visitors) and presented a commemorative plaque.
The plaque noted that BTS inspired Mexican youth through their music and contributed to forming communities based on respect and empathy, diversity and a culture of peace.
That day the members went out onto the balcony with the president and greeted citizens gathered in the Zócalo. About 50,000 people who had gathered in the square welcomed BTS with loud cheers. The members said in Spanish they had missed Mexico and expressed gratitude, saying "the energy is really amazing. Thank you for supporting us like this."
After meeting BTS, President Sheinbaum posted on social media, "I happily welcomed the group most loved by Mexican youth. BTS's music and the values they convey connect Mexico and Korea." She also said BTS's music conveys a positive message that encourages a culture of peace and inclusion.
Local media rushed to cover the event. Major dailies El Universal, Milenio and Excélsior reported substantial coverage, from the meeting with the president to the balcony greeting and the enthusiasm of citizens gathered in the Zócalo.
Meanwhile, BTS returned with their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, released on March 20. The fifth studio album ARIRANG is BTS's first new release in three years and nine months and is a record that deeply explores universal emotions anyone can relate to. The title track, "SWIM," deals with the determination to keep moving forward despite life's hardships.
Since then, BTS has been performing the "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN NORTH AMERICA," starting in Tampa on the 25th of last month (local time), covering 31 shows in 12 cities. They will hold concerts at Mexico City's Estadio GNP Seguros for three days on the 7th and the 9th and 10th.
All three Mexico City shows were sold out, and the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce expects the concerts to have an economic impact of about $107.5 million (about 155.7 billion won).
[Photo] BigHit Music
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