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BTS meets Mexican president ahead of Mexico City concerts
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and members of K-pop boy band BTS react to crowds as they stand on a balcony of the National Palace ahead of the group's concerts in Mexico City, Wednesday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
By Pyo Kyung-min
Almost 50,000 fans reportedly gathered to get glimpse of BTS
K-pop boy band BTS met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace in Mexico City on Wednesday (local time), greeting the public from the palace balcony ahead of the group's three-night concert run in the capital as part of its "ARIRANG" world tour.
Sheinbaum, who confirmed the visit at a regular press briefing earlier in the day, described BTS as a band that "always carries messages of friendship, peace and love."
The meeting carries added weight given the president's long-standing support for the group. In January, she welcomed the confirmation of their Mexico City tour dates, calling it a "historic moment" and noting how long younger Mexicans had waited for the shows.
Fans gathered outside the palace, holding signs that read "BTS will always be in the heart of Mexico" and "Welcome to Mexico." Some were even moved to tears at the sight of the group.
A fan holds up a poster of K-pop boy band BTS as the group greets fans from a National Palace balcony after meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ahead of a series of concerts as part of "BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG'" in Mexico City, Wednesday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
A fan of K-pop boy band BTS is moved to tears as the group greets fans from a National Palace balcony after meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ahead of a series of concerts as part of "BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG'" in Mexico City, Wednesday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
Fans of K-pop boy band BTS gather at Zocalo Square as they wait for the group and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to appear on a balcony of the National Palace ahead of the "ARIRANG" world tour concerts in Mexico City, Wednesday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
A reported 50,000 fans gathered outside the National Palace to see the boy band.
According to AFP, the excitement for the impending show has been palpable on the streets of the Mexican capital. Fans gathered on Paseo de la Reforma for a promotional event, Monday, dancing to BTS songs and putting on temporary tattoos ahead of the shows.
"We do these types of events to emotionally and psychologically prepare ourselves, and to prepare the energy and vibe of the place," Jude Pelaez, one of the attendees, was quoted as saying. "That makes Mexico different."
According to BigHit Music, Mexico is the fifth largest market for K-pop music, with BTS being the most famous K-pop group there.
BTS will perform at Estadio GNP Seguros on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. All three shows sold out shortly after tickets went on sale.
K-pop boy band BTS greets fans from a balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City, Wednesday (local time). BTS will hold three sold-out shows at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. AFP-Yonhap
BTS leader RM, right, speaks as Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum reacts on a balcony of the National Palace ahead of a series of concerts on the "BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG'" in Mexico City, Wednesday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
A handout picture released by the Mexican president's press office shows Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, fourth from left, with K-pop band BTS at the National Palace in Mexico City, Wednesday (local time). AFP-Yonhap