An estimated 50,000 people on May 6 welcome K-pop superstar BTS at Zocalo, the main square of downtown Mexico City.

By Hong Angie
Photos = President Sheinbaum Pardo's official X account

Zocalo, a public square in the heart of Mexico City, was filled with excitement over the highly anticipated appearance of K-pop sensation BTS.

The group appeared on the balcony of the National Palace, the official presidential residence, at the invitation of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. An estimated 50,000 members of the group's fan community Army and others filled Zocalo.

Fans waved signs with messages such as "BTS is always in Mexico's heart" and "Welcome to Mexico." Some shed tears of joy in seeing their idol in person, overwhelming the square with emotion and a mix of joy and tears.

BTS that day held a friendly meeting for about 40 minutes with President Sheinbaum.

BTS and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (third from left) on May 6 wave to K-pop group's fans and the public from the balcony of the official presidential residence National Palace in Mexico City.

On her X account, President Sheinbaum wrote, "I am delighted to welcome BTS, one of the groups most loved by Mexican youth," adding, "Their music and the values it embodies serve as a valuable bridge connecting Mexico and Korea."

"I was deeply impressed over how BTS approaches the public with a humble and sincere attitude," she said, adding that the group's music "spreads a positive message that encourages peace and inclusion."

BTS and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (fourth from left) on May 6 pose for a group photo at the official presidential residence National Palace in Mexico City.

The "purple craze," or the massive popularity of BTS taking the world by storm, was also shown in numbers. The group's fifth and latest studio album "Arirang" topped the Billboard 200 chart and the title track "Swim" rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100

BTS on May 7 began three concerts over three days at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City.

shong9412@korea.kr