South Korean K-pop group BTS met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace in Mexico City on Wednesday (local time), greeting the public from the palace balcony ahead of the group’s three-night concert run in the capital as part of its “ARIRANG” world tour.

Sheinbaum, who confirmed the visit during a regular press briefing earlier in the day, described BTS as a group that “always carries messages of friendship, peace, and love.”

The meeting drew significant public attention, particularly given the Mexican President’s long-standing support for the band. In January, Sheinbaum welcomed the confirmation of BTS’ Mexico City tour dates, calling it a “historic moment” and noting how long younger Mexican fans had waited for the concerts.

Approximately 50,000 fans gathered outside the National Palace and surrounding areas carrying signs reading “BTS will always be in the heart of Mexico” and “Welcome to Mexico,” while some were reportedly moved to tears after seeing the group.

According to AFP, excitement over the concerts has spread across the Mexican capital in recent days. Fans gathered along Paseo de la Reforma earlier this week for a promotional event, dancing to BTS songs and wearing temporary tattoos ahead of the performances.

According to BigHit Music, Mexico is the fifth-largest market for K-pop music globally, with BTS remaining the country’s most popular K-pop act.

BTS is scheduled to perform at Estadio GNP Seguros on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, with all three concerts selling out shortly after tickets were released.