BTS Tour Craze in Mexico: Fans Demand More Shows

The resurgence of BTS, the globally celebrated K-pop group, has ignited a wave of excitement as fans rush to secure tickets for their highly anticipated comeback tour after a four-year hiatus. The enthusiasm in Mexico has escalated to such heights that President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken the initiative to reach out to South Korea's government, urging them to consider adding more concert performances in her nation.

On Monday, Sheinbaum disclosed that she penned a letter to the South Korean president, expressing her desire for additional BTS concerts to grace Mexico. Though a response remains forthcoming, fans continue to harbor hope. Currently, the band is scheduled to perform three shows in Mexico City come May as part of their extensive 79-date world tour, which saw tickets vanish within just 40 minutes following their release, as reported locally.

The immense demand for tickets has stirred controversy, with fans accusing ticketing services and resale platforms of exploiting dynamic pricing, driving ticket prices significantly higher than their original values. While official tickets ranged from 1,800 to 17,800 pesos, some resale listings skyrocketed to alarming figures, with reports of tickets being offered at up to 92,100 pesos.

In response, Mexico's consumer protection agency has intervened, penalizing resale platforms for what they deem abusive practices during ticket sales. With nearly one million eager fans vying for just 150,000 tickets, BTS' incredible popularity in Mexico becomes evident.

Ranked as the fifth largest K-pop market in the world, Mexico has seen a remarkable 500% increase in streaming of the genre over the past five years. Despite local promoters' persistent requests, BTS' packed schedule has, for now, thwarted the possibility of additional shows.

Since mid-2022, the group has not released new music collectively, focusing instead on individual projects and completing necessary military duties. Their comeback tour is set to kick off in April in South Korea and will cover regions across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with projections suggesting it could yield over $1 billion in revenue.