Chile approves BTS' 'Arirang' tour concerts at National Stadium after revised proposal
Chile's Ministry of Sports has reversed its earlier decision and approved K-pop supergroup BTS' "Arirang" world tour concerts at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos (Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium) in Santiago this October.
The ministry announced on July 21 that the National Sports Institute (IND), its affiliated agency, had authorized the use of the country's premier sports venue after concert promoter DG Medios submitted a revised technical proposal addressing concerns over potential damage to the stadium's field and infrastructure.
BTS is scheduled to perform at the stadium on Oct. 14, 16 and 17.
The approval comes after Sports Minister Natalia Duco previously rejected the original proposal, saying it failed to meet technical requirements to safeguard the playing surface and facilities at the national stadium.
The initial decision drew criticism from BTS ARMY, the group's fanbase in Chile, with many urging the government to reconsider.
In its statement, the ministry said the updated production plan incorporates several engineering and operational changes aimed at minimizing the impact on the stadium.
According to the ministry, BTS' 360-degree stage configuration eliminates the need for heavy machinery to operate directly on the grass, with cranes instead working from the running track surrounding the field.
A specialized protective covering will also be installed to preserve the turf's ventilation and condition while supporting concert operations.
The ministry added that the revised plan is backed by an engineering study validating the proposed measures and is expected to shorten the field's recovery time compared with the original proposal.
Authorities said the decision has been communicated to Club Universidad de Chile, the Chilean Football Federation, the National Professional Football Association (ANFP), and Club Atlético Santiago to coordinate the scheduling of sporting and cultural events at the stadium.