The Chilean government is reviewing its intention to prevent the three sold-out shows by the K-pop band BTS, following fans demonstrating support in the streets and on social media in protest against the measure.
Details of the Concerts and Initial Decision
The South Korean group has performances scheduled at the National Stadium in Santiago on October 14, 16, and 17, as part of the world tour for the album 'Arirang'. This will be the first tour after the members completed mandatory military service in their country. The band, formed by RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, had been on hiatus since 2022 and returned in March 2026.
Tickets for the three events were completely sold out after being made available in April this year, with an expected audience of 48 thousand fans. Initially, the Chilean Ministry of Sport had rejected permission for the shows, but stated on Monday that it was willing to reconsider the decision, after the promoter DG Medios presented a revised technical proposal addressing concerns regarding the stadium's pitch.
Reason for the Refusal
The original refusal was issued the previous week by the National Sports Institute, an agency subordinate to the ministry. The justification provided was based on a 'thorough technical and operational assessment' which indicated that the planned 360-degree stage would cause prolonged stress to the hybrid pitch. Furthermore, there would not be enough time for the pitch to recover before a busy schedule of sporting and civic events, including an official match for the men's national football team scheduled for November.
Official Stance and Alternatives
The Chilean Minister of Sport, Natalia Duco, defended the government's stance, clarifying that the concerts never received formal approval, even with ticket sales. She stated in a television program, cited by The Independent, that 'it is impossible to cancel something that was never confirmed,' because the National Sports Institute never officially confirmed the dates through the usual decrees.
Although authorities suggested alternative venues, the Chilean edition of El País reported that none of these locations could accommodate the approximately 150 thousand spectators expected for the three shows, nor would they offer adequate space for the 360-degree stage.
Fan Reaction and Political Criticism
The decision sparked protests in Santiago over the weekend, with hundreds of fans marching towards the La Moneda Presidential Palace. The demonstrators displayed banners with the message 'BTS at the National Stadium,' wearing the group's characteristic purple color and singing the band's songs.
A 22-year-old fan, Daniela Trujillo, spoke to the EFE agency, expressing great frustration: 'We are very upset. They cannot cancel the concert, they cannot take away our chance to see the people we love and who saved our lives.' Another fan commented on X that countries aggressively invest to attract global artists due to the economic impact, questioning if the money was insufficient for Chile, and criticizing the 'sheer incompetence' in seeking economic opportunities.
Opposition deputy, Ignacio Achurra, criticized the government for the uncertainty surrounding an event for which about 200 thousand tickets had already been sold, labeling it 'truly outrageous' that fans, including international ones, only learned months later that the shows might be canceled.
Record Label Response
In response to the situation, the band's record label, Hybe, informed The Korea Herald that it was investigating the matter. It is worth noting that BTS held their last performance in Chile in 2017.