“BTS Stood on the Balcony of Mexico’s Presidential Palace”… The Heart of Mexico Turned Violet Purple”

As the group BTS is currently on its world tour, “ARIRANG,” it has once again proved the overwhelming global status of K-pop by receiving head-of-state-level, official guest treatment in the heart of Mexico.

■ BTS on the presidential palace balcony… Cheers that paralyzed Mexico City

According to BigHit Music, the group’s agency, on the 6th (local time), BTS on the same afternoon received an official invitation from the Mexico Presidential Office and held a friendly conversation with President Claudia Sheinbaum for about 40 minutes.

Soon after the meeting, when BTS members appeared on the balcony of the presidential palace together with President Sheinbaum, tens of thousands of ARMY and citizens gathered at the nearby Zócalo Plaza erupted in a sea of violet-purple cheers. Local fans waved hand signs such as “Welcome to Mexico,” and some fans were even captured crying tears of emotion.

■ President Sheinbaum: “BTS is a messenger of friendship and peace”

In the morning of the same day, President Sheinbaum announced BTS’s visit directly through a regular press conference and extended proper recognition. She said of BTS’s music, “It always delivers messages of friendship and peace, as well as love,” and explained why the welcome was extended at the national level.

This meeting is seen as the pinnacle of “soft power” diplomacy, strengthening cultural ties between Korea and Mexico beyond a simple celebrity visit.

■ Economic ripple effects exceeding 150 billion won… The power behind a #1 on Billboard

BTS’s visit is injecting tremendous energy into the Mexican economy as well. The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce estimated the economic ripple effects of BTS’s performances at about $107.5 million (approximately 155.7 billion won).

This excitement is backed by BTS’s record-breaking results. The recently released 5th full-length album, “ARIRANG,” and its title track, “SWIM,” simultaneously topped the U.S. Billboard main charts “Billboard 200” and “Hot 100,” continuing the worldwide craze.

■ Three performances at Estadio GNP Seguros… “Perfect Sold Out”

After getting warmed up through the meeting with the president, BTS will hold a solo concert at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City over three days: on the 7th and on the 9th and 10th. As soon as ticket sales begin, all three shows sold out completely, proving explosive interest from fans around the world.

Local media reported, “With BTS’s visit, all of Mexico City is in a festival atmosphere,” adding, “The influence of K-pop on Mexico’s society and economy has reached the highest level ever.”