BTS appeared alongside Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City on May 6 ahead of the group’s three sold-out ARIRANG concerts at Estadio GNP Seguros.

RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook met Sheinbaum at the National Palace before greeting thousands of fans, also known as ARMY, gathered at Constitution Plaza in Zócalo Square.

Government officials estimated that around 50,000 fans attended the public appearance as the group stepped onto the palace balcony to acknowledge supporters.

Fans waited for hours to see the South Korean group and were heard chanting songs including “Hooligan” and tracks from the new album ARIRANG. The crowd also sang “Body to Body”, which includes elements of the Korean folk song “Arirang”.

BTS addressed fans in both Spanish and English during the appearance. RM told the crowd, “We can’t wait for tomorrow’s concert on stage. Let’s have fun together! Te amo. Te quiero. Muchas gracias.”

V also spoke to fans in Spanish, saying, “I have missed you all. We have missed Mexico so much. The energy here is incredible. Thank you so much for loving us. See you next time. Goodbye.”

Before leaving the balcony, V added, “Mucho picante!”, referencing a phrase he previously used during the ARIRANG concert in El Paso.

According to the report, RM, SUGA and Jimin later shared photos and videos of the crowd on Instagram Stories.

Sheinbaum also posted a group photo from the meeting while holding a signed vinyl record. In Spanish, she wrote, “I warmly welcome one of the most beloved groups among the youth of Mexico: BTS. Music and values unite Mexico and South Korea.”

The concerts on May 7, 9 and 10 reportedly sold more than 136,000 tickets. BTS last performed in Mexico in 2017 during KCON Mexico at Mexico City Arena.