[Photo=Provided by Big Hit Music]
BTS is set to meet Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum ahead of the group’s Mexico City concerts.
On May 6 (local time), Sheinbaum said at her regular morning news conference, known as the “Mañanera,” that BTS will visit the presidential offices. She said the balcony will be opened so the group can greet citizens gathered in the plaza. Sheinbaum praised the group’s music, saying it “always delivers a message of friendship and peace, and love.”
Sheinbaum had earlier welcomed confirmation of BTS’ Mexico City shows in January, calling it a “historic moment.” Government-level attention has continued. In February, Sheinbaum drew notice after disclosing a reply she said she received from President Lee Jae-myung regarding a request for additional BTS performances. Lee expressed thanks for Mexicans’ affection for Korean culture and said he hoped cultural ties between the two countries would continue.
Demand has been reflected in ticket sales. The three shows scheduled for May 7 and May 9-10 at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City sold out shortly after tickets went on sale. The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce estimated the concerts will generate about $107.5 million (about 155.7 billion won) in economic ripple effects. Spotify data ranks Mexico City as the city that listens to BTS the most worldwide.
The local reception has coincided with the group’s performance on global charts. On the latest Billboard charts released May 5 (dated May 9), “SWIM,” the title track from the group’s fifth full-length album “ARIRANG,” ranked No. 2 on both Global (Excl. U.S.) and the Global 200. BTS has remained in the top three on those charts for six straight weeks.
The album’s broader showing has also held steady. All 13 vocal tracks — excluding the bell sound of the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok — have stayed on both global charts for six weeks. “ARIRANG” ranked No. 5 on the Billboard 200, while “SWIM” was No. 32 on the Hot 100. “Pied Piper,” performed recently at the group’s Tampa show, re-entered the World Digital Song Sales chart at No. 9, underscoring the spillover effect of live performances.
BTS is scheduled to begin its Mexico City run on May 7. The sold-out shows and the planned meeting with Sheinbaum have focused attention on the group’s cultural reach.
On May 6 (local time), Sheinbaum said at her regular morning news conference, known as the “Mañanera,” that BTS will visit the presidential offices. She said the balcony will be opened so the group can greet citizens gathered in the plaza. Sheinbaum praised the group’s music, saying it “always delivers a message of friendship and peace, and love.”
Sheinbaum had earlier welcomed confirmation of BTS’ Mexico City shows in January, calling it a “historic moment.” Government-level attention has continued. In February, Sheinbaum drew notice after disclosing a reply she said she received from President Lee Jae-myung regarding a request for additional BTS performances. Lee expressed thanks for Mexicans’ affection for Korean culture and said he hoped cultural ties between the two countries would continue.
Demand has been reflected in ticket sales. The three shows scheduled for May 7 and May 9-10 at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City sold out shortly after tickets went on sale. The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce estimated the concerts will generate about $107.5 million (about 155.7 billion won) in economic ripple effects. Spotify data ranks Mexico City as the city that listens to BTS the most worldwide.
The local reception has coincided with the group’s performance on global charts. On the latest Billboard charts released May 5 (dated May 9), “SWIM,” the title track from the group’s fifth full-length album “ARIRANG,” ranked No. 2 on both Global (Excl. U.S.) and the Global 200. BTS has remained in the top three on those charts for six straight weeks.
The album’s broader showing has also held steady. All 13 vocal tracks — excluding the bell sound of the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok — have stayed on both global charts for six weeks. “ARIRANG” ranked No. 5 on the Billboard 200, while “SWIM” was No. 32 on the Hot 100. “Pied Piper,” performed recently at the group’s Tampa show, re-entered the World Digital Song Sales chart at No. 9, underscoring the spillover effect of live performances.
BTS is scheduled to begin its Mexico City run on May 7. The sold-out shows and the planned meeting with Sheinbaum have focused attention on the group’s cultural reach.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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