(LEAD) BTS meets Mexican president, receives commemorative plaque ahead of concerts in Mexico City

▲ K-pop supergroup BTS and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (4th from R) pose for photos during the group's visit to the Mexican presidential office at the National Palace in Mexico City on May 6, 2026, in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ K-pop supergroup BTS talks with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (C, back) in her office at the National Palace in Mexico City on May 6, 2026, in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ Members of K-pop supergroup BTS react as they stand on a balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City on May 6, 2026, ahead of its concerts in Mexico City in this AFP photo. (Yonhap)

▲ Fans of K-pop supergroup BTS gather outside the National Palace in Mexico City on May 6, 2026, waiting for the band to appear on a balcony of the National Palace in this Reuters photo. (Yonhap)

▲ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (3rd from L) and K-pop supergroup BTS react as they stand on a balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City on May 6, 2026, ahead of the group's concerts in Mexico City in this Reuters photo. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) BTS-Mexican president

(LEAD) BTS meets Mexican president, receives commemorative plaque ahead of concerts in Mexico City

(ATTN: UPDATES with BTS receiving commemorative plaque from Mexican gov't in paras 2-3, turnout at square in 5th para; RECASTS headline; ADDS photos)

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- K-pop supergroup BTS met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at her official invitation ahead of the group's Mexico City concerts, the group's agency BigHit Music said Thursday.

BTS conversed for about 40 minutes with the Mexican president at her office in Mexico City and received a commemorative plaque from her government, according to the agency.

The government honored the South Korean group as "distinguished visitors" and presented the plaque, which recognized the group for "inspiring Mexican youth through its music and for contributing to community-building based on a culture of respect, empathy, diversity and peace."

BTS later appeared alongside Sheinbaum on a balcony of the National Palace, greeting crowds gathered in the capital's central Zocalo square, which was packed with fans, known as ARMY, and local residents.

Fans held signs reading "BTS is always in the heart of Mexico" and "Welcome to Mexico," while some were seen in tears after catching a glimpse of the group. About 50,000 people turned out to see the group, according to BigHit.

Earlier in the day, Sheinbaum told a regular press briefing that the South Korean group would visit the presidential office and greet the public from one of the palace's balconies.

She praised BTS' music, saying it consistently delivers messages of "friendship, peace and love."

The seven-member group is set to perform at Estadio GNP Seguros, a multipurpose stadium in Mexico City on May 7 and May 9-10 as part of its ongoing "Arirang" world tour. All three shows sold out rapidly after tickets went on sale.

Sheinbaum had earlier described the concerts as a "historic moment" when their schedules were fixed in January, noting strong anticipation among young fans in Mexico.

The concerts are also expected to provide a significant economic boost. The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce has estimated an economic impact of around US$107.5 million.

Mexico ranks as the world's fifth-largest market for K-pop, with BTS the most-streamed act among local K-pop fans, according to Spotify's 2025 figures.

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