According to BigHit Music's schedule, BTS are set to perform in Chile this October, marking a historic milestone as the first кσяєαn act to hold concerts at the country's iconic Estadio Nacional. However, despite tickets having sold out long ago, Chile's Ministry of Sports υиєχρє¢тє∂ly announced in early July that it would not grant permission for BTS to use the stadium, citing concerns that the original stage setup could damage the pitch and interfere with previously scheduled sporting events at Estadio Nacional.
In the days that followed, the situation became increasingly tense as government officials proposed alternative venues such as Explanada Sur and several plaza areas within the stadium complex, despite their inadequate infrastructure and inability to accommodate a tour of this scale. The officials' inconsistent and seemingly uncooperative explanations left the fate of the concerts uncertain, causing widespread anxiety among fans.
Fortunately, on July 21 (local time), a positive decision was finally announced! In an official statement, Chile's Ministry of Sports confirmed that the National Sports Institute (IND) had approved the use of Estadio Nacional for BTS' concerts after the event organizer submitted a revised technical plan designed to protect the venue's sports infrastructure.
According to the statement, the stage will be redesigned into a 360-degree configuration, eliminating the need to move heavy machinery across the grαѕѕ. All installation and production work will instead be carried out using cranes operating from the athletics track surrounding the field. In addition, a specialized protective flooring system will be installed to allow the turf to remain ventilated while utilizing modern protection technologies to minimize any impact on the stadium.
The decision was also formally communicated to Club Universidad de Chile, the Chilean Football Federation, ANFP, and the Santiago Athletics Club to ensure proper coordination between sporting and cultural events at the country's premier sports venue.
In short, BTS will now perform at Estadio Nacional in Santiago exactly as originally scheduled on October 14, 16, and 17, bringing an end to the uncertainty that had spread throughout the fandom over the past several weeks!
Although the Ministry of Sports emphasized that technical improvements were the primary reason behind the reversal, many believe the decision was also heavily influenced by the overwhelming backlash from fans and BTS' recently demonstrated global influence.
After the Chilean government rejected the concerts in early July, thousands of ARMY took to the streets of Santiago in protest. According to the Associated Press (AP), more than 5,000 fans marched through the city center dressed in purple—the color most closely αѕѕociated with BTS. They carried banners reading "Bring BTS to the National Stadium" and "Music and art do not destroy stadiums", urging the government to reverse its decision.
At the same time, social media became another major battleground. For weeks, Chilean authorities faced relentless criticism and widespread condemnation online over their handling of the issue.
The backlash intensified even further following BTS' widely acclaimed performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show. Fans pointed out that despite performing for only about one minute and 45 seconds, BTS still became the biggest talking point across global social media platforms. Even internationally renowned celebrities publicly praised the group's performance.
Fans also circulated photos of French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron holding ARMY Bombs while attending BTS' concert in fяαи¢є as a comparison. They argued that many countries view hosting a BTS concert as an opportunity to promote their international image and boost tourism, whereas Chile was on the verge of "мιѕѕιиg the chance to host one of the world's biggest live performances."
In the end, fans finally achieved the outcome they had been fιgнтing for. Celebratory messages from Chilean ARMY and fans around the world quickly flooded social media. Behind the joy of victory, however, many emphasized that this result was made possible by the unity of the fandom and BTS' unparalleled global status. At the same time, they made it clear that they would not forget the obstacles and uncertainty created by the Ministry of Sports throughout the controversy!
