Currently, BTS are in the middle of their ‘ARIRANG’ world tour across Latin αмєяι¢α. After wrapping up their first night at Estadio San Marcos in Lima, Peru, on October 7, the group will continue with two more shows at the same venue on October 9 and 10.
With a warm welcome from local ARMYs and the authorities, the first night generally went well and was filled with excitement from both the artists and fans. However, there were several external factors that local ARMYs — despite making efforts to prevent them — were unable to control, affecting the overall atmosphere surrounding BTS’ first visit to Lima.
Some genuine fans are even worried that because of these uncontrollable incidents, this could be the first and last time BTS ever come to Peru to hold a concert.
One of the most serious issues occurred right before the first show, involving crowds gathering outside the hotel where BTS were staying. Just a few hours before the concert began, RM had to post a lengthy message on Weverse, openly addressing “the members and staff are having a hard time because of the people camping outside the hotel we're staying at.”
The idol explained that the noise from outside was “coming straight into our rooms,” making it difficult for everyone to get a good night’s sleep. The situation was not only affecting BTS but also causing significant inconvenience to other guests staying at the hotel. RM also emphasized that while he was deeply grateful for the fans’ love and enthusiasm, getting enough rest was essential for the group to maintain their performance on stage.
In reality, this situation had already begun from the very first hours after BTS arrived in Lima, largely due to certain media outlets and groups of local people rather than Peruvian ARMYs. They repeatedly filmed and livestreamed the group’s entire route, revealing where they were staying. This led to a large crowd — including reporters and people who had chosen to camp out on their own — rushing to the area outside the hotel, causing chaos and excessive noise.
Notably, some groups of people were reportedly pretending to be ARMYs and spreading false information that BTS would come out onto the balcony to greet fans, apparently with the intention of attracting even more people. They also openly livestreamed from the area, using mocking and vulgar language directed at the group and their fan community.
Security concerns were also brought up at the concert itself. Before BTS took the stage, the organizers displayed a large notice reading “AVISO IMPORTANTE DE SEGURIDAD” (“IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE”), asking au∂ιєnces at the VIP barrier to remain in place and not run or move to either side of the runway when the members came out onto the extended stage. Seated ticket holders were also instructed to remain in their αѕѕigned places.
The notice also strictly prohibited throwing anything, including water, toward the stage or the artists, while asking au∂ιєnces to keep a safe distance from the walkways and follow the instructions of security staff.
This came after concerns during the first night of the South αмєяι¢αn leg in Colombia, when fans were seen pushing and throwing objects onto the pitch as BTS walked through the area during the “IDOL” performance. Some local ARMYs also believed that the chaos caused by certain groups of people in the queueing area today, whose status as ARMYs was unclear, could be related to the same concerns.
In addition, on the day of BTS’ concert, Lima also saw a protest by students from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP). The demonstration was related to disciplinary measures following the occupation of the rector’s building in May. As authorities moved to disperse the crowd, clashes broke out between ρσℓι¢є and protesters, and one ρσℓι¢є officer was reportedly seen drawing a gun to threaten the crowd.
Although the incident took place around 2 kilometers from Estadio San Marcos, it still caused chaos and traffic congestion, affecting the concert.
All of these incidents have led some ARMYs to believe that the experience of BTS and tourists visiting Peru has been seriously affected. While this does not mean that the Peruvian ARMY community as a whole should be held responsible, the reality is that such incidents could have a major impact on BigHit Music and BTS’ decision on whether to include Lima in the list of cities they return to for future tours.
Discussions surrounding the topic have drawn a wide range of opinions: "This is the worst. I can’t wait for them to leave this place", "Praying for the members safety. The staff safety and I pray no one gets hurt", "Not only do the remaining tour dates depend on this, but whether the guys will even consider South αмєяι¢α for a future tour also depends on it", "ARMYs, if you see anyone attempting to do anything foolish, you know what to do. HOLD them down until help comes", "It breaks my heart he even has to ask this. Pls respect BTS", "As a Latina, I'm so sorry for some of our people's behavior", "Please, why is it so hard for these people to listen? This isn't just disturbing their rest, it's annoying the other hotel guests too",...
