BTS fans take to streets in Chile over concert cancellation (VIDEO)

SANTIAGO (Chile), July 6 — Hundreds of fans of K-pop group BTS gathered in Chile on Sunday to protest the government’s decision to halt the group’s three scheduled concerts as part of its “Arirang” world tour.

Fans, known as ARMY, demonstrated in Santiago wearing purple outfits, waving balloons and holding placards opposing the cancellation of the October shows, The Korea Herald reported.

The group had been scheduled to perform at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional from October 14 to 17, with an additional date added after the initial tickets for the later shows sold out quickly in April.

Marching towards the La Moneda presidential palace, protesters sang BTS songs and carried signs calling for the concerts to be reinstated.

Chile’s Sports Minister Natalia Duco said the decision did not amount to a permanent cancellation, but acknowledged there was currently no alternative venue in the capital or nearby cities capable of hosting such a large audience.

Authorities cited technical concerns over the planned 360-degree stage setup, which they said could impose a load of around 600 tonnes on the stadium field and risk damaging the playing surface, potentially affecting future sporting events.

The National Sports Institute, which oversees use of the venue, also raised concerns that tickets were sold before final approval for the stadium had been secured.