Chilean Police Commend BTS Fans for Exemplary Conduct

The National Gendarmerie unit of Chile, known as Carabineros, expressed their appreciation on Thursday for the behavior of Chilean fans of the South Korean boy band BTS during a concert this week in the country.

They pointed out that the smooth and peaceful execution of the large-scale event could serve as a model for future gatherings.

BTS, marking their return to Chile after nine years, kicked off their Arirang World Tour with the first of three concerts on Wednesday at the National Soccer Stadium in Ñuñoa, Santiago.

The excitement surrounding the concerts led Carabineros to launch a social media campaign beforehand, offering security tips such as ensuring children’s safety and protecting personal belongings like phones and documents.

In a statement to the news outlet Teletrece, Carabineros’ director-general Marcelo Araya praised the BTS fans, known as ARMY, for their “exemplary” conduct at the concert.

He reported that the event attracted over 76,000 attendees, which necessitated a significant security presence, while still managing routine security operations at borders and in various communities.

Araya noted that the fans had actively organized and collaborated on security efforts for the event, with the band itself acknowledging the respectful behavior displayed by the crowd.

“They [the fans] didn’t go there to cause trouble; their eagerness to see their idols didn’t overshadow their respect for the event. Ultimately, I think the focus of the news is entirely about the music,” he remarked. “It’s high-quality artistic news that brought joy to the audience, and it’s not a matter for police.”

He added, “This is a significant example that other events, especially sports ones, should take to heart. Enjoy the show peacefully without disrupting the normal proceedings.”

After the first concert, BTS took a day off but are set to return to the National Stadium for two more shows on Friday and Saturday. Araya urged fans to maintain the same level of conduct for the upcoming events, while Teletrece noted that fans had also encouraged one another on social media to avoid any harassment of the band members.

While the concert went off without a hitch, the lead-up to it was somewhat contentious. The National Sports Institute (IND) had initially denied permission for the National Stadium to host the concert, putting the entire event at risk. The IND cited disagreements with the event’s producers over the substantial equipment needed, which included a complex stage setup used in their international performances. This decision sparked protests among BTS fans earlier in July, who appealed to the government for support.

However, days later, the Chilean Sports Ministry announced that permission was granted once the producers agreed to meet the IND’s technical requirements and conditions. Reports indicated that concerns about potential damage to the stadium’s infrastructure, particularly its grass, played a critical role in the initial refusal. Producers eventually revised their plans and provided documentation confirming compliance, which included protective measures for the grass.

This controversy led to the resignation of the IND’s director, Lorena Castillo, shortly after the concert approval. Additionally, during the month of the concert, Chilean President Kast acknowledged BTS’s cultural significance and substantial fanbase during remarks made with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during his visit to Santiago.