BTS are currently meeting fans across South αмєяι¢α as part of their ARIRANG World Tour. After performing in Santiago, Chile, on October 14 and October 16–17, the group is expected to continue their tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before concluding this leg with three shows at MorumBIS Stadium in São Paulo, вяαzιℓ, on the final days of this month.

Notably, ahead of BTS’s return to вяαzιℓ after seven years, following their Love Yourself: Speak Yourself tour in 2019, the city government had prepared several proposals, including “Projeto BTS.” The project was initiated and led by Bruno Kim, President of the Associação Brasileira dos Coreanos (вяαzιℓian кσяєαn Association) for the 2024–2027 term.

“Projeto BTS” was designed to present BTS with the Key to the City of São Paulo (Chave da Cidade) during a free public ceremony to mark the group’s arrival in вяαzιℓ for their concerts on October 28, 30, and 31, 2026. The вяαzιℓian кσяєαn Association worked closely with the São Paulo city government, with the involvement of International Relations Secretary Ângela Gandra, Congressman David Soares, and several other representatives, to prepare for the event.

An online petition in support of the initiative gathered more than 100,000 signatures, with the number reportedly surging to around 80,000–115,000 in August 2026. An official letter signed by Mayor Ricardo Nunes, along with the petition, was sent to HYBE. Earlier reports had also circulated suggesting that HYBE had shown interest in the project.

However, on October 19 (local time), Bruno Kim released a video updating fans on the project's status, confirming that HYBE had officially declined the proposal to hold the event.

“There were many factors behind this decision: a packed schedule, logistical issues, and, above all, security concerns—which must be considered with the utmost rigor,” Bruno Kim explained regarding HYBE’s decision. He also expressed his disappointment and thanked everyone who had signed the petition and supported the initiative, emphasizing that the door remained open to future opportunities.

Notably, ARMY’s reaction was not entirely negative. While some fans were disappointed that the event would not go ahead as hoped, many others supported HYBE’s decision, considering it a reasonable choice.

One of the biggest concerns among fans was the possibility of BTS’s image being used to serve local political interests, especially with a sensitive election period approaching. Many commenters described the cancellation as “livramento,” a Portuguese term meaning “a narrow escape” or “being spared from soмєтнing undesirable,” because they did not want BTS αѕѕociated with Mayor Ricardo Nunes, who has faced significant criticism over past controversies.

For instance, Nunes has been linked to a Federal Police investigation into an alleged scheme involving the misappropriation of billions of вяαzιℓian reais in public funds allocated to childcare centers in São Paulo. His family’s company was suspected of receiving more than 30,000 reais in connection with the case. This has raised concerns among some fans that BTS’s event could similarly be exploited for personal or political gain.

In addition, Nunes’s wife filed a ρσℓι¢є report in 2011 accusing him of threats in a domestic νισℓєи¢є-related incident, although she later withdrew her allegations. The mayor has also faced repeated criticism over allegedly irregular spending on “emergency” public works and his handling of flooding. Most recently, in October 2026, he was accused of mobilizing city government employees to attend a rally supporting Flávio Bolsonaro, raising concerns about possible electoral coercion.

Bruno Kim has also faced criticism from some fans who suspect the project may be connected to political interests. Although he previously explained that the initiative was not politically motivated, these concerns have yet to be fully dispelled.

As news of HYBE’s rejection spread, many fans voiced their support for the company’s decision: "At least one positive thing this company did. Things are already bad enough, imagine grouping BTS with SP’s filthy mayor", "I’m glad. If their team felt any risk to their safely, it’s not worth it. I’m with HYBE on this one", "What a great thing, amen. Livramento", "I can breathe a sigh of relief now. Right from the start, those of us in SP kept saying this was pure political propaganda for that trash Bolsonaro family", "Honestly, I’m glad HYBE declined", "Plse put BTS away from political sh1t", "That decision is so good because of the current political scenario", "Such a dodged bullet when it comes to this mayor of SP lmao and this Bruno Kim isn't fooling anyone",...