Ahead of their world tour concerts in Mexico, BTS received a state-level welcome, including an official invitation to visit the Mexican presidential office.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum shared a photo taken with the BTS members on her social media on the 6th (local time), along with a message of welcome.
In Spanish, President Sheinbaum wrote, "We are pleased to welcome BTS, one of the most beloved groups by the younger generation in Mexico. Music and values connect Mexico and South Korea," expressing her special hospitality.
The released photo shows all seven members of BTS—RM, JIN, SUGA, J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, and JUNGKOOK—posing for a commemorative photo with the Mexican President inside the National Palace. The members drew attention by appearing in classic suits.
According to local media and fans, the BTS members met with the President at the National Palace in Mexico City that day before stepping out onto the balcony of the palace to greet fans directly. A massive crowd of fans gathered at the Zócalo, the plaza in front of the National Palace, chanting for BTS, and the scene was filled with deafening cheers and excitement as the members appeared.
J-HOPE led the atmosphere by spreading his arms wide, while JIN and JUNGKOOK leaned forward to actively engage with the fans. RM and V appeared relaxed, waving with calm smiles. The members also communicated with local fans through the microphone, sharing Spanish greetings such as "I love you," "Mexico is the best!", and "Let's meet again."
Previously, in January, President Sheinbaum had mentioned the BTS concerts in Mexico, calling it "a historic moment that has been a long-held wish for Mexican youth." She even requested additional performances from the South Korean government when the ticket competition for the BTS comeback world tour became overheated.
The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce has projected that the BTS concerts will generate an economic impact of approximately $107.5 million USD.
Meanwhile, BTS will hold a total of three concerts at the Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City on the 7th, 9th, and 10th.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)