After a BTS concert set to be held at the National Stadium in Santiago, the Chilean capital, failed to clear the government approval hurdle, local fans took to the streets.
On the 5th (local time), hundreds of members of ARMY, the BTS fandom, gathered in downtown Santiago to hold a protest. Holding a banner reading "BTS to the National Stadium," they sang BTS songs and marched to near the presidential palace, La Moneda.
The protest was reported to have proceeded peacefully. Many participants came wearing purple, known as BTS's symbolic color.
A participant in their 20s said in an interview with Spain's EFE news agency, "We are very angry," and noted, "They cannot cancel the concert. It takes away the chance to meet the artists we love and who have helped sustain our lives."
Earlier, the National Institute of Sports (IND), which has authority to approve use of Chile's National Stadium, said it would not approve three BTS concerts scheduled for Oct.
The IND believed the installation of a 360-degree stage could potentially damage the stadium's turf. It also cited the possibility of affecting future soccer matches and large-scale event schedules as reasons for denial.
The IND said the decision was "based on purely technical criteria." It said stage structures for the BTS shows could place a load of about 600 tons on the turf, which could disrupt facility operations.
The Chilean government also sees it as a problem that local promoter DG Medios began selling tickets before receiving approval to use the stadium.
However, fans and some in politics are saying it is hard to accept the government's decision. EFE reported that some critics are saying the Chilean government made a political decision on this matter to cover domestic issues.
Some opposition figures said the government failed to properly coordinate a large-scale cultural event. They are also demanding disclosure of information related to the denial and accountability.