Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has appealed directly to South Korea’s leadership to request additional BTS concerts in her country, following overwhelming demand for the K-pop group’s upcoming world tour.
Speaking on Monday, Sheinbaum said she had written to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, hoping the band might add more shows in Mexico. She added that she was still awaiting a response and remained hopeful the request would be considered.
The appeal comes after BTS announced three concerts in Mexico City as part of their global comeback tour, marking their return after a four-year break. Tickets for the shows reportedly sold out in less than 40 minutes, sparking frustration among fans unable to secure seats.
Ticket Demand Triggers Price Controversy
Official ticket prices ranged from 1,800 to 17,800 pesos, but resale platforms listed seats for as much as 92,000 pesos, according to local reports. The sharp price surge prompted Mexico’s consumer protection agency to take action against resale sites, accusing them of unfair and misleading practices.
Authorities have since launched investigations into ticket platforms such as StubHub and Viagogo over alleged irregularities in pricing and resale policies.
Sheinbaum said nearly one million fans competed for just 150,000 tickets, highlighting the massive popularity of the group in Mexico.
BTS Popularity Surges Across Mexico
BTS remains one of the most followed music acts in the country, with Mexico ranking as the fifth-largest market for K-pop globally, according to Spotify data. Streaming of Korean pop music in Mexico has increased by more than 500 percent over the past five years.
The Mexican leader noted that local promoter Ocesa had informed her that the band’s packed international schedule made it difficult to add extra performances. Nevertheless, she reached out to South Korea’s government to explore possible alternatives.
South Korean officials have so far declined to comment on the request.
BTS World Tour Marks Major Comeback
The group is set to begin its long-awaited tour with three shows in South Korea before traveling across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It will be BTS’s first full group tour since 2022, following individual projects and mandatory military service.
Industry analysts estimate the tour could generate more than $1 billion in revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, streaming, and licensing, making it one of the most profitable tours of the year.