BTS brings 150,000 fans together for Mexico City shows
BTS drew about 150,000 fans to their three-night “Arirang” world tour stop in Mexico City, marking the group’s first full-group solo concert in Mexico in nearly 11 years.
The K-pop superstars performed on May 7, 9 and 10 at Estadio GNP Seguros, with all three shows selling out immediately, according to Korean media reports citing their agency, Bighit Music.
Fans filled the stadium as BTS performed some of their biggest hits, with audiences singing along to Korean lyrics throughout the concerts. One of the highlights of the show was “Airplace pt.2,” which includes the line, “We goin’ from Mexico City.”
The concerts also incorporated elements of Mexican culture. During the performance of “Aliens,” dancers wore masks inspired by Lucha Libre, Mexico’s traditional style of professional wrestling. Member V was also seen enjoying the local snack banderilla during the performance of “Idol.”
“You were truly the best. What more can I say? We will definitely return to Mexico,” BTS told fans during the concert. The group also addressed the crowd in Spanish, thanking fans for the warm reception and saying they would not forget the excitement surrounding their visit.
The celebrations extended beyond the stadium, with local authorities estimating that around 35,000 fans gathered outside the venue on the second and third nights of the concert.
The concerts also generated significant economic activity, with the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce projecting an economic impact of about 155.7 billion won, or roughly $105 million. The estimate included revenue from ticket sales, hotels, transportation, food, and local businesses.
Ahead of the concerts, BTS also met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace, drawing an estimated 50,000 people outside the venue hoping to catch a glimpse of the group.
Following the Mexico City shows, BTS is set to continue its “Arirang” world tour with performances at Stanford Stadium in California on May 16, 17 and 19.