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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider BTS' Chile concerts hit a roadblock: Here's why

BTS' Chile concerts hit a roadblock: Here's why

Published Jul 4, 2026 10:31 am
BTS at their "Arirang" world tour in Brussels, Belgium (X)
BTS at their "Arirang" world tour in Brussels, Belgium (X)
BTS' "Arirang" tour concerts in Chile this October have hit a roadblock after the country's National Sports Institute (IND), rejected the use of Santiago's Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos for the Oct. 14, 16 and 17 shows, citing concerns over protecting the stadium's field and infrastructure.

The decision sparked protests from BTS ARMYs in Chile, who took to social media to urge authorities to allow the concerts to proceed at the venue.

In an interview with Chilean broadcaster 24 Horas, Sports Minister Natalia Duco, a former Olympian, said the proposal submitted by concert promoter DG Medios failed to meet the technical requirements needed to safeguard the national stadium.

"The use of the National Stadium's Central Coliseum was not authorized because the mitigation report submitted by the production company DG Medios did not meet the required technical standards to protect the field and infrastructure of the country's main sports venue," Duco said.

According to Duco, the evaluation process lasted more than 10 months after DG Medios first applied to use the stadium in September 2025.

She cited three key reasons for rejecting the proposal: the planned 360-degree stage weighing about 600 tons would be installed at the center of the field; the production company's estimated five to seven days for field restoration did not sufficiently guarantee recovery; and the potential damage could disrupt the venue's schedule for sporting and civic events in the months following the concerts.

Duco also disputed claims that authorities had revoked approval for the concerts.

"I want to clarify that no authorization was canceled or revoked because that authorization never existed; there was no contract, reservation, or administrative act authorizing the use of the Central Coliseum. Ticket sales were a business decision made by the production company while the technical evaluation was still underway," she said.

The sports minister said the government remains open to finding a solution that would allow the concerts to proceed while protecting the stadium.

One option is for the production company to install a modular structure that would distribute the stage's weight and minimize damage to the field.

"We want to ensure that the concerts can take place while respecting the regulations that protect the National Stadium," she said.

If that proposal is not adopted, Duco said the government is prepared to make alternative venues available, including the National Stadium Park esplanade and Cerrillos Park, which have already been reserved should the promoter decide to use them.

Manila Bulletin reached out to HYBE and BigHit Music, which oversee BTS' activities, for comment. As of this writing, they have not issued a statement.

The Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile (Photo from the Ministry of Sport's Facebook page)
The Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile (Photo from the Ministry of Sport's Facebook page)
The BTS concert in Chile will be held in October (DG Medios)
The BTS concert in Chile will be held in October (DG Medios)
The Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile (Photo from the IND's website)
The Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile (Photo from the IND's website)

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BTS BTS Arirang World Tour Chile
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