BTS have just wrapped up their second concert in Lima, with only one final show remaining on October 10 before they continue their tour with three concerts in Santiago, Chile, starting on October 14. Although there is still nearly a week to go before the first show, excitement for BTS has already spread throughout Chile. Major fan support events, including banners, large LED screen advertisements at the National Stadium metro station, and LED trucks, are being prepared to welcome the group.

Meanwhile, the “BTS POP-UP: ARIRANG IN SANTIAGO,” organized by HYBE, also opened on October 2 at Mall Cenco Costanera. The space was designed for fans to explore exhibits related to the ARIRANG concept, including albums, photocards, and special designs, while also shopping for official merchandise such as ARMY Bombs, clothing, and accessories.

However, amid all this excitement, an issue has suddenly emerged, leaving the Chilean ARMY community feeling deeply “ashamed”!

Specifically, an official statement from BTS fanbases in Chile condemning theft and disrespectful behavior at the pop-up store is currently circulating on social media.

“We are deeply ashamed of the situation currently unfolding at the BTS Pop-Up store in our country. Chile has recorded the highest number of incidents and attempted thefts at a BTS Pop-Up in Latin αмєяι¢α—a reality we find completely unacceptable and one that paints a very sad picture of our community,” the official statement read.

The Chilean fanbases emphasized that the space was created for all fans to enjoy the experience together, yet some people had taken items that did not belong to them, showing disrespect toward the organizers and other visitors. They urged the community not to normalize such behavior, reminding everyone that love for BTS must always go hand in hand with respect, honesty, and responsibility.

Many local fans have also come forward to confirm reports of ARMY Bombs and merchandise being stolen. This is also why store staff have reportedly asked customers not to bring bags inside.

One fan even shared photos showing that photocards in the exhibition area were being taken, despite being displayed for everyone to enjoy, admire, and experience equally. Another fan reported that someone had attempted to take an exhibit item and was reprimanded by security staff. A poster of j-hope was also reportedly among the stolen items.

With many merchandise items at the pop-up carrying hefty price tags—for example, sushi chopsticks costing around 50,000 CLP and an outfit priced at up to 276,000 CLP—local fans cannot help but worry that more people may continue to have bad intentions. They are also concerned that if items continue to go мιѕѕιиg, the organizers may have to remove not only the photocards but also the albums and other objects on display, affecting the experience of every visitor.

Above all, Chilean fans have emphasized that these individual acts could damage the image of the ARMY community just before BTS arrive in the country for their concerts. For them, protecting the pop-up space is not only about respecting the organizers’ efforts but also a way of showing love for their idols.

The incident has now caught the attention of the international fan community, sparking discussions that include:

- Those wild animals... BTS haven't even arrived in their country yet and they're already acting so uncivilized

- You're not entitled to take anything that doesn't belong to you. Stop ruining this experience for everyone!

- Stealing merchandise and exhibition items is NOT okay. Just because soмєтнing is on display doesn't mean you can take it home. Have some respect!

- The shame this part of the continent is making me feel is on another level. At least let Argentina and вяαzιℓ be the exception, PLEASE

- The initial goal was for all of us to enjoy the POP-UP and preserve the complete experience for everyone. Please protect the exhibition and respect the shared space

- My heart breaks for the kind and respectful Chilean ARMYs who have had to deal with such behavior.

- The screw-ups have already started and the guys haven't even arrived in Chile yet

- This is absolutely disgusting. How can you call yourself an ARMY and still disrespect BTS and the people who worked so hard to make this experience possible

- Because of a few selfish people, everyone else might lose the chance to enjoy the exhibition properly. This is so frustrating