BTS strengthens dominance in Latin market with record streaming numbers

May 14, 2026, 09:24 am

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Members of BTS pose for a promotional image. /BigHit Music

BTS is deepening its influence across Latin America as massive concert demand in Mexico translates into soaring streaming numbers and growing digital engagement throughout the region.

According to entertainment data tracker Luminate on Wednesday, BTS’ fifth full-length album, ARIRANG, recorded 739.1 million global streams during its first week following its March 20 release.

Luminate said the figure marked the highest first-week streaming total for any album released in 2026 and the strongest performance since Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl in October last year.

The United States accounted for the largest share of streams with 115 million plays. However, Latin American countries followed closely, with Brazil posting 78.6 million streams and Mexico 75.9 million — both surpassing South Korea’s 58.3 million streams. Japan recorded 48.2 million streams.

The figures underscored the growing importance of the Latin American market for the group’s global reach.

YouTube data reflected a similar trend. Between April 6 and May 3, four Latin American countries ranked among the top 10 nations in BTS music video views: Brazil with 53.2 million views, Mexico with 53.1 million, Argentina with 22.1 million and Peru with 19.1 million. South Korea ranked sixth with 46.6 million views.

Fan enthusiasm has extended beyond online platforms and concert venues.

BTS recently drew a combined audience of 150,000 during its three-day “ARIRANG” world tour concerts in Mexico City. Tickets sold out immediately after reservations opened, while thousands of fans gathered outside the venue after failing to secure seats.

The Los Angeles Times estimated that roughly 35,000 people gathered around the stadium during the May 9–10 performances alone.

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BTS performs during its “ARIRANG” world tour concert in Mexico City. /BigHit Music

The group’s popularity was also evident during its May 6 visit with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. About 50,000 fans reportedly gathered at Mexico City’s Zócalo Square near the presidential palace while BTS met with the president and received a commemorative plaque from the Mexican government.

BTS will continue its Latin American stadium tour in October with performances scheduled in Bogotá, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.

The tour will mark the first time a Korean artist performs at Bogotá’s Estadio El Campín and Buenos Aires’ Estadio Único de La Plata. BTS will also become the first Korean act to hold a solo concert at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional.

Due to overwhelming local demand, additional shows have already been added in Lima, Santiago and Buenos Aires.

#BTS #ARIRANG #BigHit Music #Latin America #Mexico City