BTS’s first ever performances in Peru have attracted more than 150,000 fans to Lima, with the concerts expected to generate approximately 25.1 billion won ($19 million) in tourism-related economic benefits, according to estimates by Peru’s tourism ministry.
The group’s agency, BigHit Music, said on Sunday that around 151,500 people attended the three concerts held at Estadio San Marcos on October 7, 9 and 10 as part of BTS’s ongoing “Arirang” world tour. The turnout significantly exceeded the tourism ministry’s initial estimate of 50,000 visitors to the capital.
The performances marked BTS’s first concerts in Peru since the group debuted in 2013. During the shows, the members expressed their appreciation to fans who had waited years to see them perform in the country.
“We wonder why it took us so long to come to Peru,” the members told the audience during one of the concerts.
BTS member V also marked Hangeul Day, a South Korean holiday celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet, by wearing a specially designed T-shirt featuring handwritten Korean messages. The front of the shirt displayed the name of Lima alongside his Korean name, Kim Tae hyung, while the back carried a message commemorating October 9, 2026, as the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day.
The gesture reflected V’s efforts to connect with fans throughout the South American leg of the tour. During performances in Spanish speaking countries, he has learned and used local expressions onstage, receiving enthusiastic reactions from audiences.
Following their concerts in Lima, BTS is scheduled to perform in Santiago, Chile, on October 14, 16 and 17. The group will then travel to Buenos Aires for a concert on October 24 before heading to Sao Paulo on October 30.
