From Political Promise to K-Pop Power Play: How a Mexican Minister Delivered BTS to His Nation! 🎶🇲🇽

In an era where political promises often fade, one high-profile official in Mexico has transcended the typical electoral cycle, not just keeping a campaign pledge, but doing so with the global titans of K-Pop: BTS. The story of Mexico’s Economy Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, and his unwavering commitment to bringing the septet to his country, offers a fascinating case study in the immense cultural and even political leverage of Hallyu.

Ebrard recently made waves across global fan communities by sharing a video on his TikTok account, featuring a personal meeting with BTS’s Jin in Incheon, South Korea, last year. This viral post came with a heartfelt message: “Hello friends, ARMY BTS. I’m always thinking of my Mexico and all of you. I dedicate this video to you,” punctuated by three iconic purple heart emojis. The revelation sparked an immediate frenzy, turning a three-year-old campaign promise into a vibrant reality for millions.

The journey began back in 2023, during his presidential primary campaign. At an animation festival in Actopan, Hidalgo, Ebrard, holding a BTS poster, declared his intention to “bring the members to Mexico in 2024 or 2025, as soon as they complete their military service.” When a fan pressed him on the timeline, he reiterated, “2025, once military service is over. Or 2024. I will bring them. I will invite you.”

Despite ultimately losing the Morena party primary to Claudia Sheinbaum, who went on to win the presidency in 2024 and appointed him Economy Minister, Ebrard did not forget his pledge. His opportunity arose in November 2025 when he visited Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Instead of merely attending the official proceedings, he made a point to attend Jin’s ‘RunSeokjin Ep. Tour’ concert in Incheon, representing President Sheinbaum. It was there that he personally met Jin, and, following the announcement of BTS’s World Tour dates including Mexico, he released the video of their encounter, proposing an invitation to Mexico.

The reaction from Mexican fans was immediate and ecstatic:

• 😮 “You met Jin??????” (to which Ebrard responded with purple hearts)
• 🤖 “Is this not AI???” (prompting his direct reply: “Pues no”)
• ✨ “Is it real or science fiction??” (confirmed with “Real”)
• 😭 “How does it feel to see Kim Seokjin right in front of you, my God, I’m so jealous.”
• 🌮 “I almost choked on my taco, lucky man!”
• 👏 “First time I’ve ever seen a politician who isn’t ashamed to be a K-pop fan.”

Ebrard himself engaged with fans, commenting “Los quiero mucho” (I love you all very much) on his post, which garnered over 8,300 likes. The excitement quickly spilled over to X (formerly Twitter). One fan marveled, “How excellent a performer must one be, and how strong a presence is needed, for ministers and presidents of various countries to come to watch a show during their free time? Only BTS.” Another praised his commitment, “He truly keeps his promises,” recalling Jin’s past mentions of Tampa, Florida, and Argentina, both now confirmed tour stops.

The culmination of this saga arrived with the announcement of BTS’s 2026-2027 World Tour on January 13th, confirming three shows in Mexico City at the Estadio GNP Seguros on May 7th, 9th, and 10th. Ebrard immediately took to X, posting “Very good news: BTS in Mexico…” and in a video with his wife, expressed his “state of shock,” exclaiming, “See you in Mexico. See you at the concert.”

Mexican media outlets quickly highlighted the story:

• 📰 El Financiero reported, “Ebrard can finally sing ‘Dynamite’,” celebrating “BTS’s return to Mexico. This is his history as a member of ARMY.”
• 🗞️ Grupo Milenio noted, “Ebrard promised to bring BTS to Mexico during the Morena party primary, and now it has become a reality.”

This isn’t Ebrard’s first public display of ARMY dedication. He openly declared his fandom in 2022 during a visit to Korea as Foreign Minister, when he was named an honorary citizen of Seoul. He posted a TikTok with BTS’s ‘Dynamite’ as background music, stating, “Arrived in Korea and my love for BTS.” In a 2023 radio interview, he affirmed, “BTS is the best. I am a fan. I’m waiting for them to come to sing ‘Dynamite.’ K-pop is really cool.” He even attended BLACKPINK’s Mexico City concert the same year, showcasing his broad appreciation for K-Pop’s global impact.

Mexico’s fervent dedication to BTS is undeniable. When Jin held his discharge celebration live stream in June 2024, Mexico accounted for 12.4% of the 3.53 million views from 211 countries, topping the global charts. This remarkable engagement underscores the power of K-Pop fandom as a significant cultural and social force.

Meanwhile, some Mexican fans have leveraged Ebrard’s commitment, taking to the comments to ask him, “Help us as ARMY to ARMY,” requesting transparency on ticket prices and early release of seating charts for the upcoming concerts. As we look forward to BTS’s 5th full album release on March 20th and the kickoff of their world tour in Goyang on April 9th, Hello Korea will be closely watching this fascinating intersection of global politics and pop culture.

As a global business critic, this saga brilliantly illustrates the profound economic and diplomatic soft power of K-culture, transforming a political promise into a tangible cultural exchange. It’s a clear signal that global fanbases are not just consumers, but a force capable of influencing national agendas and international relations.

Editor: Daniel Park 📊