BTS Returns to Mexico City for ARIRANG Run: Spanish Lines, Cowboy Hats and 50,000 Fans

BTS returned to Mexico City on May 7, 2025, opening the first of three nights at the GNP Seguros Stadium. It was the septet’s first visit to Mexico in nine years. Promoter Ocesa reported an audience of 50,000 for the opening night.

The group leaned into local touches from the start. Several members spoke in Spanish onstage. V told the crowd, “I learned a little Spanish. I want to tell you in Spanish how happy I am right now.” He added, “First of all, I miss ARMY Mexico so much. I love ARMY Mexico so much. So, I hope you love me a lot, too. You are the reason for my life; you are my everything.”

RM, Jungkook, Jimin and V each addressed the audience in Spanish at different points. Jungkook opened the night with, “It’s the first night here. Let’s make it worth it.” Jimin used a phone to read prepared phrases, asking, “You listen to our songs a lot, right?” Jimin asked He continued, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I didn’t know you’d be this amazing here. You really know how to have fun. You’re the best. I love you more than anyone.”

Hours before the show, j-hope posted a social video wearing a cowboy hat while “Tu Sancho” by Fuerza Regida in the background played. Fans responded loudly at the stadium, chanting, “Hobi, brother, you’re already Mexican!” The group also wore T-shirts reading “Ciudad de México” and included cowboy hats in their wardrobe for the night.

The ARIRANG World Tour set opened with “Hooligan” and moved through new and older material. The crowd sang along to “Aliens,” “they don’t know ’bout us,” “Like Animals,” “SWIM” and “Merry Go Round.” Thousands of Light Sticks lit up the stadium and synchronized to the show.

The production used a 360-degree stage in the center of the venue. At one point the visuals referenced elements of the South Korean flag as a tribute to their homeland. Later in the set, tracks such as “FYA,” “Fire,” “Body to Body” and “IDOL” sent the group on a lap around the arena, carrying flags and performing alongside dancers while fans photographed the procession.

The night’s surprise numbers were “Boy In Luv” and “So What,” moments that drew applause, laughter and tears. The main set closed with hits including “Dynamite,” “Please” and “Into the Sun.”

The show extended beyond the stadium. Thousands who could not get tickets gathered on nearby streets to sing and dance. Fireworks and loudspeakers carried the music outward. Some fans outside synced their Light Sticks with the in-stadium show.

Before leaving the stage, RM thanked the crowd, saying, “Mexican ARMY are always the most passionate.” RM said

BTS promised Mexico a slot on their current world tour and has now visited the country four times. The ARIRANG World Tour will continue in South America this October with dates in Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. The current schedule lists a final stop in Manila, Philippines, in March 2027.

BTS is scheduled to play the GNP Seguros Stadium again on May 9 and May 10 as the three-night Mexico City stand continues.