"We waited 10 years for BTS, but is the grass more important?" Protest in front of Chile's presidential palace sparks sudden government U-turn [K-EYES]

*This content was translated by AI.

Local fans, furious over the decision to ban BTS from performing in Chile, poured into the streets and pressured the Chilean government until it ultimately reversed its stance. On July 2 (local time), the National Institute of Sports (IND) denied permission for the concert, prompting large-scale protests across 11 cities nationwide on the 5th. By the 6th, the government announced it would reconsider allowing the event under certain conditions.

On the 2nd, the National Institute of Sports (IND) denied use of the national stadium for BTS's Arirang World Tour Santiago concerts scheduled for the 14th, 16, and 17. The decision was based on a technical report stating that a 360-degree stage setup would damage the stadium's grass and require excessive time for installation and dismantling.

The reason given was that the mitigation plan submitted by the event organizer, DG Medios, failed to meet technical requirements. Tickets for all three shows were already sold out, with over 48,000 attendees expected per concert. Natalia Duco, Minister of Sports, stated, "We are not canceling the concert but considering relocating it," proposing the outdoor plaza within the national stadium park and Cerillos Park as alternatives. However, since no alternative venue capable of accommodating more than 48,000 people exists in reality, the response was effectively a notification that the concert could not proceed.

Fans immediately took to the streets. On the 5th (local time), hundreds of ARMY members marched toward La Moneda, Chile's presidential palace, holding purple balloons and singing BTS songs in unison. Pickets reading "BTS at the National Stadium for God," "No BTS No Life," and "Today We Fight" waved in waves. Fan Juan Bugueño shouted, "We want answers from the government and the Minister of Sports. We do not want refunds or other venues. Under any circumstances, we must see BTS at the national stadium."

Another protest participant, Francisca, tearfully said, "This is a concert we waited 10 years for. It's money saved over several years for our dreams. They are taking away our promise." The protests took place simultaneously in 11 cities nationwide, including Santiago.

Chilean politicians also joined the fray. Alejandro Bernales of the Freedom Party criticized the decision, stating, "Banning the BTS concert negatively impacts Chile's economy and national image. It is a contradictory decision by the government." Local media outlet El Ciudadano pointed out, "The Chilean government's mistake is being reported as an international embarrassment for Korea in Korean media."

Ultimately, under pressure from fans, the government reversed its position on the 6th, announcing it would consider conditional approval if the production company installs a protective system that meets technical requirements. @ConnectedBts declared, "The day has ended, but the fight is not over. We thank all ARMY members who marched and raised their voices. We are one," reaffirming their resolve to continue the struggle.

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*This content was translated by AI.