Feb 11 • 08:45 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico Milenio (ES)

Pop culture, diplomacy, and strategic cooperation: the relationship between Mexico and South Korea after the BTS controversy

The recent ticket controversy for BTS concerts in Mexico escalated into a diplomatic issue between Mexico and South Korea, involving both countries' leaders.

The ongoing ticket scarcity for BTS concerts in Mexico has shifted from a mere cultural issue to an important diplomatic matter between Mexico and South Korea. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum took the initiative by sending an official letter to her South Korean counterpart, President Lee Jae Myung, in which she requested additional concert dates due to the overwhelming demand from Mexican fans. With over one million fans eager to attend, yet only 150,000 tickets available, the situation raised considerable public frustration.

In her morning conference at Palacio Nacional, President Sheinbaum addressed the issue, underlining that her diplomatic appeal was made respectfully on behalf of the youth of Mexico. The concerns surrounding ticket scalping and the complaints received by the consumer protection agency Profeco have intensified discussions about the accessibility and availability of popular entertainment events. This diplomatic engagement signifies a growing recognition of cultural connectivity between the two nations.

The interplay of pop culture and international relations is becoming increasingly significant in contemporary diplomacy. By addressing this issue at such a high level, both presidents have the opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding through cultural exchange. The hope is that this incident will not only lead to more concerts but also enhance cooperative frameworks between Mexico and South Korea in various strategic sectors.

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