BTS Greets Thousands of Fans in Mexico City Following Meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum

The global phenomenon BTS has arrived in Mexico City, kicking off a high-profile visit with a diplomatic meeting and a massive public appearance that brought the heart of the capital to a standstill. On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the group met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace, marking a significant cultural moment for both the band and their dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY.

A Historic Greeting at the National Palace

The energy in Mexico City reached a fever pitch as BTS appeared on one of the balconies of the presidential headquarters. According to figures from the capital’s government, roughly 50,000 people gathered in the Zócalo (officially known as the Constitution Plaza) to catch a glimpse of the K-pop superstars.

Dressed in elegant navy-blue and beige suits, the members spent five minutes interacting with the crowd, using their phones to capture the euphoria of the fans waiting under intense heat. The group delivered messages in both English and Spanish to connect with the local audience.

RM led the greeting, expressing gratitude for the welcome. “Muchas gracias for having us,” RM told the crowd. “We can’t wait for tomorrow’s concert on stage. Let’s have fun together! Te amo. Te quiero, Muchas gracias.”

V also addressed the fans, reading a message from his phone to ensure his Spanish was accurate. “Hello. I don’t speak Spanish particularly well, but I will try,” V said. “I’ve missed you. We’ve missed Mexico so much. The energy here is incredible. Thank you so much for loving us so much. See you next time. Goodbye.”

Diplomatic Ties and the “ARMY” Influence

President Claudia Sheinbaum has been an active participant in facilitating the group’s visit. Following the meeting, she shared a photograph with all seven members on social media, stating, “I warmly welcome one of the most beloved groups among the youth of Mexico: BTS. Music and values unite Mexico and South Korea.”

The President’s involvement extends beyond a simple welcome. After tickets for the group’s concerts sold out in less than an hour, Sheinbaum took official action to secure more dates for the fans. On January 26, she sent a letter to her South Korean counterpart, Lee Jae Myung, requesting additional concerts in the country. Three weeks later, the South Korean government confirmed that the request had been forwarded to HYBE, the company that manages BTS.

During her brief address to the crowd at the Zócalo, Sheinbaum voiced a sentiment shared by many fans, telling the group, “I already told them that they have to come back next year,” hinting at the possibility of a future free concert in the public square.

The ARIRANG Tour: Sold-Out Success

The diplomatic festivities serve as the prelude to the group’s highly anticipated performances. As part of their ARIRANG tour, BTS is set to perform three concerts at the GNP Seguros Stadium on Thursday, May 7; Saturday, May 9; and Sunday, May 10.

The scale of the demand is evident in the numbers. Promoter Ocesa reported that over 136,000 tickets were sold for these three dates, all of which are completely sold out.

Navigating Public Perception

Despite the excitement, the visit has not been without controversy. The invitation to the presidential headquarters sparked criticism from some members of the ARMY community on social media. These fans urged President Sheinbaum not to politicize the group’s visit, reflecting a desire to keep the band’s cultural impact separate from political agendas.

Regardless of the social media debate, the visit underscores the immense soft power of K-pop and its ability to bridge the gap between South Korean artistry and Mexican youth culture.