‘BTS effect’ surprises Mexican media: “Restaurant and hotel sales surge 4x, quenching a decade-long thirst” [Issues & Talk]

[TV Daily reporter Kim Ji-hyun] The enthusiasm of Mexican citizens for BTS has even surprised local media. Not only has the thirst of local fans who waited ten years for the members been quenched, but analysts say the three-show run has also boosted the domestic economy, including hotels and other businesses.

Leading Mexican daily newspapers such as El Universal, Milenio, and Excelsior covered in detail the meeting between BTS and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on the 6th (local time), reporting in unison on the influence BTS has had.

The media especially focused on the symbolic scene in which BTS appeared with President Claudia Sheinbaum on the balcony of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), overlooking Zocalo Square, the heart of Mexico City.

The daily Milenio reported in detail that when the kings of K-pop waved from the balcony with the Mexican president, Zocalo Square turned into a huge purple sea, and that the gathering of about 50,000 ARMY members and the resulting paralysis of the square was an unusual situation.

El Universal, the most influential daily in Mexico, analyzed BTS's impact on the local music market and culture with data. The outlet reported on the local atmosphere with the headline, 'Mexico City is the city in the world that consumes BTS's music the most.'

The outlet reported, "Mexico City is the base where BTS's musical influence is most actively felt," adding, "This visit is highly meaningful to Mexican ARMY. The thirst built up over 10 years was completely satisfied by this visit to the National Palace."

Another outlet, Excelsior, focused on the treatment BTS received from the Mexican government and the social message it conveyed. The outlet said, "BTS struck the heart of Mexico with messages of friendship, peace, and love," and praised that "BTS's music instilled a sense of community and positive values in Mexican youth."

On this day, the Mexican government awarded BTS the 'Distinguished Visitors' certificate and a commemorative plaque. This recognized BTS for inspiring Mexican youth through music and spreading the values of respect, empathy, diversity, and peace.

Local foreign media agreed that "it is extremely unusual for a pop star to receive this level of treatment from the Mexican presidential office."

Local media also paid attention to BTS's economic windfall effect. According to the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce, the economic ripple effect of the three performances of BTS's 'ARIRANG' world tour is estimated to reach about 107.5 million dollars (about 155.7 billion won).

A representative of the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce said, "As fans from all over Mexico and neighboring countries flocked to the BTS concert, hotel bookings in Mexico City surged," and "sales at restaurants and cafes near the venue, Estadio GNP Seguros, increased by 3 to 4 times compared with normal levels."

The reaction from local fans is truly explosive. A local fan interviewed by El Universal said, "I have watched BTS since I was 13, and now I am 25. After waiting 10 years, it feels like a dream to finally see them in person," and even shed tears.

Meanwhile, BTS will carry out its Mexico schedule in earnest, starting with the performance at Estadio GNP Seguros (Estadio GNP Seguros) on the 7th (local time).