Lima stop extends beyond the stage with Jimin birthday celebrations, economic impact and RM’s message on fan boundaries
BTS drew more than 150,000 fans across three sold-out concerts in Lima, marking the group’s first visit to Peru as its “Arirang” world tour continues through South America.
The group performed at Estadio San Marcos on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, attracting a combined audience of around 151,500, according to its agency. The Lima stop was initially scheduled for two shows, but Big Hit Music added a date in response to demand. All three concerts sold out.
Fans filled the stadium with sing-alongs and cheers throughout the shows, while the members repeatedly addressed the crowd in Spanish. Saying “Los amo,” or “I love you all,” the group added that the stadium's energy made them wonder why they had not visited Peru sooner.
Jimin, whose birthday falls on Tuesday, also received an early birthday celebration from fans throughout the Lima stop. Although there was no official birthday segment during the concerts, fans organized a range of support projects across the city, including digital billboards, street banners, trucks with LED screens advertising Jimin’s birthday and a drone show that lit up the night sky with his name, birthday imagery and the message “We’ll always be with you.”
During the final concert on Saturday, the audience sang “Happy Birthday” and chanted Jimin’s name as he delivered his closing remarks.
“I was deeply moved by how warmly you welcomed us and by all the love and support you showed us,” he said. “I will always remember that you have been sending us so much love from the other side of the world.”
The concerts also drew attention for their expected economic impact on Lima.
Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism estimated, ahead of the shows, that more than 50,000 visitors would travel to the capital and generate around $18.7 million in tourism-related economic activity.
The Lima Chamber of Commerce offered a broader estimate of up to 200 million Peruvian soles ($58.4 million) in economic activity, pointing to spending across accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, tourism and merchandise.
RM also addressed criticism surrounding a Weverse post he wrote on Thursday asking fans not to gather outside the group’s hotel. Some fans had taken issue with the post’s reference to Latin America, arguing that similar invasions of privacy have occurred in other regions as well.
Speaking to fans on Friday, RM stressed that the issue was not directed at Peru or any country.
“The post I wrote yesterday wasn’t just about Latin America or Peru,” RM said. “Similar things happened in Europe and in the US, and in fact, they’ve been happening for a long time. They could happen in Asia, too.”
Acknowledging that he knew many fans already try to keep a respectful distance from the members, RM added that some behavior had crossed a line, such as flying drones over the members’ hotel rooms and pointing lasers.
He then pushed back against attempts to frame the issue around nationality or region.
“When have we ever divided people by nationality or continent? Under the name Army (BTS’ fandom) and under the name BTS, we are all the same people,” RM added.
He ended by saying he “will continue to believe that respectful fans far outnumber those engaging in intrusive behavior,” adding that it applies to Peru as well.
BTS will continue its South American tour in Santiago, Chile, from Thursday to Saturday before heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Sao Paulo.
lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com