AceShowbiz - The members of BTS met with Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the country’s National Palace in Mexico City. From one of the palace’s balconies, the globally popular K-pop group greeted approximately 50,000 fans gathered in the historic Zócalo square, according to local government estimates.

Addressing the large crowd in both Spanish and English, BTS members delivered heartfelt messages to their dedicated fandom, known as ARMY. The fans, enduring intense heat, had waited hours in anticipation ahead of the group’s upcoming concerts scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 7, as part of their ARIRANG tour.

Although the band’s appearance on the balcony lasted only five minutes, it was a momentous occasion for many fans who had longed to see their idols up close. The members appeared visibly moved by the turnout, capturing the energy and excitement of the crowd on their phones while dressed in coordinating beige and navy-blue suits.

RM was the first to speak, expressing his gratitude in a blend of Spanish and English. “Muchas gracias for having us,” he said, “We can’t wait for tomorrow’s concert on stage. Let’s have fun together! Te amo. Te quiero, Muchas gracias.”

V followed, admitting he was still learning Spanish but eager to connect with the fans. “Hello. I don’t speak Spanish very well, but I will try,” he shared. “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,” he added, reading from his phone in Spanish.

The members of BTS appeared impressed by the energy at Constitution Plaza, the official name of the Zócalo. Their presence was warmly received by the crowd, many of whom had traveled or waited for hours to witness this special moment before the concerts.

Following the event, President Sheinbaum addressed the crowd briefly, expressing her hope to see the band return. “I already told them that they have to come back next year,” she said, reflecting the widespread desire among fans to witness BTS perform in a free concert at the historic square.

Later, the Mexican president shared a photo on social media featuring herself with the seven members of BTS, accompanied by a welcoming message. “I warmly welcome one of the most beloved groups among the youth of Mexico: BTS,” she wrote. “Music and values unite Mexico and South Korea.”

Despite the warm reception, some members of ARMY expressed concerns on social media, cautioning President Sheinbaum not to politicize the band’s visit. Nonetheless, the meeting symbolized a cultural exchange and a significant moment for fans.

BTS is set to perform three sold-out concerts at the GNP Seguros Stadium on Thursday, May 7, Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10. Promoter Ocesa reported that over 136,000 tickets were sold for these shows, which sold out in less than an hour.

Earlier this year, President Sheinbaum publicly supported the enthusiasm of ARMY Mexico after ticket sales for the concerts exploded. In a letter to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, she requested additional concerts in Mexico. Three weeks after the letter, she announced that the South Korean government had forwarded the request to HYBE, the management company behind BTS.

The visit to the National Palace and the warm interaction with fans from the balcony highlight BTS’s significant cultural impact and the strong connection they maintain with their global fanbase. As their ARIRANG tour continues, fans in Mexico City eagerly anticipate the upcoming concerts and the possibility of future performances supported by both governments.