“BTS效应”震惊墨西哥媒体：“餐厅与酒店营收4倍暴涨，10年干渴终获解脱”[议题&谈]

[TV Daily reporter Kim Jihyun] The enthusiasm of Mexican citizens toward BTS has even surprised local media. Analysts say that not only has the thirst of local fans who waited 10 years for the members been quenched, but the three performances also helped boost the domestic economy, including hotels and other businesses.

Major local media outlets, including Mexico’s most authoritative dailies El Universal, Milenio, and Excelsior, widely reported on the meeting between BTS and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on the 6th (local time), all highlighting the impact 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 vast purple sea, and that the gathering of about 50,000 ARMY members and the resulting paralysis of the square was an extraordinary situation.

El Universal, the most influential daily in Mexico, analyzed BTS’s impact on the local music market and culture along with data. The media also conveyed the local atmosphere with the headline, “Mexico City is the city in the world that consumes the most music by Bangtan Sonyeondan.”

The media said, “Mexico City is the hub where BTS’s musical influence appears most actively,” adding, “This visit means a great deal to Mexican ARMY. The thirst of the past 10 years was completely quenched by this visit to the National Palace.”

Another outlet, Excelsior, focused on the courtesy BTS received from the Mexican government and the group’s social message. The media said, “BTS struck the heart of Mexico with messages of friendship, peace, and love,” and “BTS’s music instilled a sense of community and positive values in Mexican youth.”

That day, the Mexican government presented BTS with certificates of distinguished visitors and commemorative plaques. This recognized BTS’s contribution to inspiring Mexican youth through music and spreading the values of respect, empathy, diversity, and peace.

Local foreign media outlets unanimously said, “It is extremely unusual for a pop star to receive this level of courtesy from the Mexican presidential office.”

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

The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce stated, “As fans flocked from across Mexico and neighboring countries for the BTS concerts, hotel reservations in Mexico City surged,” and “Sales at restaurants and cafes near the venue, Estadio GNP Seguros, increased three to four times compared to normal.”

Local fans’ reactions have been truly explosive. One local fan interviewed by El Universal said, “I have watched BTS since I was 13, and now I’m 25. After waiting 10 years, seeing them in person feels like a dream,” and was moved to tears.

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