A sign welcoming ARMY, the fandom of K-pop superstars BTS, hangs outside a convenience store near Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul in Maech The band returned for "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang," its first concert in nearly four years after going on hiatus in 2022 to complete mandatory military service. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SANTIAGO, Chile, July 7 (UPI) -- Chile's government is facing an unexpected political controversy after the suspension of three BTS concerts scheduled for October prompted coordinated protests by the K-pop group's fans across the country.
President José Antonio Kast's administration has been forced to reconsider its decision to bar the concerts from the National Stadium after ARMY, BTS' global fan community, organized simultaneous demonstrations in 11 Chilean cities.
About 5,000 fans marched Sunday to protest cancellation of the performances at Chile's main sports venue, where all tickets had already sold out. Authorities cited technical concerns over the impact the concerts could have on the stadium's playing field.
BTS, one of the world's most successful K-pop groups, uses a 360-degree stage that weigh about 600 tons. The structure would be installed in the center of the field, directly above the stadium's irrigation system.
