President Urges South Korean Leader to Boost Concerts
In a surprising diplomatic move, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has reached out to the President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung. She is advocating for additional BTS concerts in Mexico due to overwhelming demand. The three concerts scheduled for May have already sold out within minutes.
Concert Demand Amidst Controversy
Tickets for BTS’s performances on May 7, 9, and 10 at GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City sold out within just 37 minutes. During her morning press conference on January 26, Sheinbaum noted that approximately one million young fans wanted to attend, while only 150,000 tickets were available.
Record-breaking Ticket Sales
According to Ticketmaster Mexico, over 1.1 million fans queued for tickets during the sales. The presale for ARMY members took place on January 23, followed by the general sale on January 24. Following the sales, numerous complaints regarding ticket resales and the overall transparency of the process emerged.
Government Intervention
In response to the chaos surrounding ticket sales, Sheinbaum contacted Alejandro Soberón, the general director of concert promoter OCESA. Despite inquiries about the possibility of more BTS dates, Soberón indicated that no additional concerts were available. This prompted Sheinbaum to formally request assistance from the South Korean government.
Consumer Protection Agency Response
Amid the controversy, Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) reported significant customer dissatisfaction. Iván Escalante, the agency’s head, announced plans to initiate legal action against Ticketmaster Mexico for a lack of transparency during the sales process. Additionally, resale platforms such as StubHub and Viagogo may face penalties for allegedly exploitative practices.
Impact on Resale Market
The excitement surrounding BTS’s anticipated concerts has led to a surge in resale prices, with tickets reaching highs of up to $9,000. This increase has further fueled concerns about unethical sales practices in the market.
As the situation unfolds, the focus on transparency and fairness in ticket sales continues to mount. Sheinbaum’s diplomatic outreach signifies not just a plea for more concert dates but also highlights the escalating popularity of K-pop in Latin America.
