After kicking off the European leg of their ARIRANG World Tour at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, ѕραιи, on June 26, BTS went on to deliver spectacular concerts in Brussels (Belgium), London (United Kingdom), and Munich (Germany). The final stop of the European leg was fяαи¢є, where the group held two nights of concerts on July 17 and 18 (local time) at the iconic Stade de fяαи¢є. On the very first night, BTS captivated more than 70,000 attendees with explosive performances and an entirely new lineup of stage outfits.

The Paris concert attracted not only fans but also senior executives from some of the world's leading luxury fashion houses, including CELINE and Dior. Max Dickson, CELINE's VIP Director, even shared an Instagram Story showing his support for V, while Peter Utz, Dior's Global PR Director—who works directly with Jimin—was also spotted in the au∂ιєnce. Their presence further highlighted the importance the two French luxury houses placed on BTS's visit to the home of high fashion.

However, the list of distinguished guests did not end there. Most notably, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron were also in attendance at Stade de fяαи¢є!

The French presidential couple's appearance appeared to come as a pleasant surprise to the BTS members themselves. A video capturing Jimin's reaction quickly went viral across social media. When j-hope informed him that French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron were attending the concert, Jimin could not hide his astonishment. He was seen dropping his jaw, covering his mouth with his hand, and widening his eyes as if he could hardly believe what he had just heard. The two were then seen enthusiastically chatting about the presence of the VIP guests.

Meanwhile, other videos captured President Macron and the First Lady fully immersing themselves in the concert atmosphere. Rather than simply watching the show, both were seen holding ARMY Bombs to cheer for BTS. First Lady Brigitte Macron was even spotted showing her husband how to use the official light stick, while the couple was repeatedly seen enthusiastically enjoying and cheering throughout the group's performances.

However, unlike the BTS members' excitement, the reaction from a portion of French ARMYs on social media was far less enthusiastic. During the concert, a fan banner reading "Namjoon President – Macron Explosion" even went viral as a meme. Elsewhere, many fans also left comments under posts about the presidential couple's appearance at the concert, writing: "90% of French citizens HATE him", "Why is he here?", "I don't like this", "Stay away from our boys", "He's just riding on their popularity", "Instead of going to concerts, maybe he should spend that time rethinking his policies",...

This lukewarm response reflects the dissatisfaction that has existed among part of the French public toward President Emmanuel Macron for years. In recent years, he has faced repeated criticism over several economic policies—most notably the controversial pension reform that raised the retirement age—as well as a leadership style that some critics describe as distant and overly authoritative. The implementation of major reforms during periods of deep social division has led many to accuse his administration of ignoring public opinion.

In addition, the ARMY community has long been sensitive to politicians or public figures appearing alongside BTS. Given the history of many politicians using celebrities to improve their public image, such appearances are often viewed with skepticism. As a result, President Macron—already a divisive figure in French politics—attending a BTS concert only fueled even more negative reactions among some fans.

Nevertheless, Jimin's priceless reaction to learning that the French President was in the au∂ιєnce became one of the most talked-about moments following BTS's first concert in Paris, with fans sharing comments such as:

- Even French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron got to attend a BTS Concert but not you and me, TALK ABOUT LUCK HERE

- Please let’s not forget all the crazy things he’s put us through for the past 10 years just because he’s at a BTS concert. It’s literally just Brigitte trying to recruit them for the Pièces Jaunes

- Another day another BTS collecting the nation's government in their pocket. They are in boraconcert so gotta be borafied

- While the government in Chile threw every possible obstacle in the way of BTS's concert, Macron and his wife actually attended the concert in fяαи¢є. What a mαѕѕive difference—and Macron isn't even left-wing

- The reaction of the two, so cute. And the polite gesture is too touching. This is considered a gesture of showing respect to others.

- I literally can hear that "Jinja???". Jimin - Broo.. I was twirking and all tf you mean..

- Jimin's reaction was so genuine. You could literally see him trying to process the fact that the French President was sitting in the au∂ιєnce

- I can't stop laughing at Jimin's expression, but seeing Macron there honestly made me uncomfortable

- The contrast is hilarious—Jimin was amazed, while French ARMYs in the comments were like, 'Why is he here?'

- Jimin's reaction—it was adorable. I just hope politicians don't use BTS or their concerts for publicity. Leave the boys out of politics

- I totally understand why many French fans had mixed feelings about Macron being there