Timothy Calkins, a marketing professor at Northwestern University, stated: “The BTS World Tour will be the premier global event of the year.” He added, “Every city hosting the tour will see a mαѕѕive surge in tourist numbers, hotel occupancy rates, and overall economic activity. The impact could potentially surpαѕѕ even that of U.S. pop star Taylor Swift.”
He further noted, “These events do more than just draw people to a city; they act as a platform to promote that city to the entire world,” and emphasized that “a BTS tour provides a brand-strengthening opportunity that would be difficult to achieve through traditional marketing.”
Professor Richie Karaburun of the NYU Tisch Center of Hospitality also predicted that the economic ripple effect of the BTS tour would surpαѕѕ that of Swift’s Eras Tour. He remarked, “This tour is the much-needed good news for the U.S. tourism industry during a period of stagnation.”
The full-group return of BTS is driving indicators far beyond the performance industry, extending into tourism, transportation, consumer spending, and even diplomacy. Meanwhile, millions of fans around the world have endured an intense ticket battle to see BTS from April of this year through next year. The entire world is buzzing about the return of the top K-pop superstars. However, it appears that some individuals are not following this global trend—sparking controversy by making disparaging remarks about BTS and ARMY.
Specifically, on the 4th (local time), the entertainment program Chismorreo (Spanish for “gossip” or “talking behind people’s backs”), aired on the YouTube and Instagram accounts of мєχι¢σ’s Multimedios Channel 6, featured the topic “BTS World Tour мєχι¢σ City Concert” for discussion by its guests. The panel focused on issues such as the yet-to-be-released seating chart, suspicions of ticket-scalping schemes, and announcements regarding response measures from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Regarding the soaring resale (black market) ticket prices for major concerts such as BTS’s, broadcaster Luisa Fernanda said, "For instance, Shakira's February concert (the famous Colombian singer) is also sold out. People feel exploited by high prices, yet their judgment is only at this level."
In response, guest Fabian Lavalle interjected, "If I had a 17-year-old daughter, I’d make her do her homework. Now is not the time to be crying over a concert by some unknown singer." Notably, photos and videos of BTS were displayed on screen during his remarks.
The host attempted to intervene by saying, “It is the dream of many children to see BTS in person," Fernanda doubled down with a demeaning comment: "I bet half of those fans haven't even finished elementary school, yet they are trying to go to the concert."
Once the clip was shared on social media, it immediately triggered a wave of fierce backlash from fans worldwide. Even considering the nature of the program—true to its name, it thrives on sensationalized entertainment news, where guests often use unfiltered language and display a lack of restraint to attract attention—the panelists’ comments about BTS and their fans were widely seen as having “crossed the line.”
Under the program’s video clips, numerous posts appeared criticizing the educational prejudice and the mockery of fans’ affection for artists. Some notable comments included: "I'd rather my daughter listen to BTS a thousand times over than songs that insult women," "A textbook example of jealousy toward global stars," and "A pure gossip show that makes zero positive contribution to society." Furthermore, many fans "verified" their backgrounds by identifying themselves as "Masters in Tax Law," "Surgeons," and "Biotechnologists."
Meanwhile, fans also contrasted the program’s attitude with that of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum toward BTS’s concert. Previously, when мєχι¢σ was announced as one of the stops on BTS’s global tour, the President had expressed her excitement, stating: “The famous кσяєαn group, dearly loved by our youth, is coming to мєχι¢σ. As this is soмєтнing the Mexican people have requested for a long time, their arrival is very joyful news.”
Furthermore, in mid-last month, she reportedly sent a letter to President Lee Jae-myung (according to the article) requesting support for additional performances, as millions of Mexican fans have been eager to meet BTS after many years. Experts have noted that K-pop’s global status has risen to the point where a country’s president publicly comments on the performance of a foreign artist.
The actions of this television program stand in stark contrast to the President’s diplomatic efforts, turning мєχι¢σ’s goodwill toward BTS and South кσяєα into what appears to be a humiliating spectacle. The Mexican public has reportedly felt deep embarrαѕѕment over the program’s “cheap” conduct, while fans worldwide have expressed outrage at the blatant disrespect directed at BTS and their fandom—demanding an explanation and a formal apology from the program and the relevant authorities.
