BTS Receives Official Invitation to Mexican Presidential Palace, Appearing Before 50,000 Fans

BTS, who was in Mexico as part of their world tour, received an official invitation to the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City and was greeted with an unprecedented welcome ceremony. Standing alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, BTS greeted the crowd gathered in the square, with approximately 50,000 fans and citizens present, their purple Lightstick glowing brightly against the night sky.

The Mexican government honored BTS as “Visitantes Distinguidos” and presented them with a government commemorative plaque. The plaque recognized BTS for inspiring Mexican youth through music and contributing to a culture of respect, empathy, diversity, and peace. After about 40 minutes of conversation, the members appeared on the balcony alongside the president. RM expressed gratitude in Spanish and English, saying, “Thank you for inviting us,” and shared excitement about upcoming performances. V communicated with the fans on site by saying, “We really missed Mexican fans a lot” and adding, “The enthusiasm here is truly amazing.”

President Sheinbaum stated in a press conference that BTS’s music conveys “messages of friendship, peace, and love,” emphasizing her special welcome for them. The group’s popularity in Mexico was so great that local concert tickets sold out instantly, prompting the president to officially request additional performances. The scene of the welcome on the presidential balcony received significant attention from local media. The Indian daily The India Express reported that the balcony is typically a symbolic place where the president greets citizens during national events or independence days, noting that “an international musician has never appeared there alongside an incumbent president before.”

The excitement in the square did not fade even after the members left. Fans cheered holding signs with messages such as “BTS is always in the heart of Mexico” and “Welcome to Mexico,” with some even crying from overwhelming emotion. One Mexican fan said, “BTS is the best group not only in Korea but worldwide,” while another expressed their feelings by saying, “The moment I saw BTS felt unreal; I thought I might pass out.”

Mexico is considered the fifth-largest K-pop streaming market globally according to Spotify. The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce estimated that just the three performances scheduled from the 7th to the 10th will generate approximately $175 million (about 156 billion Korean won) in economic impact. Given the expected massive spending across hotels, transportation, food and beverage, and tourism industries, BTS’s visit has created far more than just a cultural phenomenon—it has also produced significant economic effects.