According to the Associated Press (AP), thousands of ARMY members gathered in downtown Santiago on July 5 (local time), carrying banners reading “Bring BTS to the National Stadium” in protest of the government’s decision.

During the peaceful march, fans sang BTS’ biggest hits as they made their way toward the area surrounding La Moneda Presidential Palace. Many participants wore purple clothing the signature color representing BTS and its worldwide fanbase. One fan told Spanish news agency EFE: “We’re truly angry. It’s hard to accept losing the opportunity to see the artists we love.”

The controversy stems from a decision by Chile’s National Sports Institute (IND), the government agency responsible for managing the National Stadium.

The IND declined to approve permits for BTS’ three scheduled October concerts, citing technical concerns surrounding the production. According to the agency, the proposed 360-degree stage, estimated to weigh approximately 600 tons, could damage the stadium’s playing surface and interfere with upcoming sporting events scheduled after the concerts.

Officials stressed that the decision was based solely on technical and operational considerations rather than opposition to the performances themselves.

The Chilean government also stated that concert promoter DG Medios began selling tickets before securing final approval to use the National Stadium. That revelation fueled further public debate, with many questioning why tickets were released before all venue permits had been finalized.

Despite the backlash, there may still be a path forward. On July 5, Chile’s National Sports Institute announced that the event organizer had submitted a revised technical proposal designed to comply with current regulations while ensuring the stadium can continue hosting future sporting events without damage. The updated plan has raised hopes that the concerts could still receive approval if all technical requirements are successfully met.

According to the current schedule, BTS is set to bring its ARIRANG World Tour to South America this October with stops in:

  • Bogotá, Colombia
  • Lima, Peru
  • Santiago, Chile
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • São Paulo, Brazil

If the Santiago concerts are ultimately approved, they would mark the first time a K-pop artist has held a concert at Chile’s National Stadium, representing a major milestone for the continued growth of Hallyu across South America.

For now, fans remain hopeful that negotiations between organizers and Chilean authorities will allow the historic concerts to proceed as planned.

Sources: MK.kr