Santiago: South Korean music group BTS’s scheduled concerts in Chile remain on track despite growing uncertainty over the venue, with Chile’s Sports Minister Natalia Duco clarifying that the performances have not been cancelled.
The minister explained that the concerts at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos had never received final government authorisation, meaning no approval had been revoked. Her remarks come after concerns emerged over the planned stage design and its potential impact on the stadium’s playing surface.
Minister says no approval had been granted
Addressing the controversy on July 4, Natalia Duco said the reports suggesting the concerts had been cancelled were inaccurate.
“It was not cancelled, nor was an authorisation revoked, because that authorisation never existed,” she said while explaining the government’s position.
According to the minister, the approval process for using the National Stadium had not been completed before tickets for the concerts went on sale.
BTS is scheduled to perform in Santiago on October 14, 16 and 17, with tickets reportedly selling out shortly after bookings opened.
Authorities raise concerns over 360-degree stage
The Ministry of Sports said the proposed 360-degree stage presented technical challenges due to its size and weight.
According to officials, the structure is expected to weigh more than 60 tonnes, raising concerns that its installation could damage the stadium’s grass surface.
The National Stadium regularly hosts football matches and other major sporting events, prompting authorities to prioritise preserving the venue for future use.
Officials stressed that protecting the playing surface remains an important consideration during the approval process.
Alternative solutions under discussion
Despite the venue dispute, the Chilean government has reiterated that it is working with the concert promoter to ensure the performances can still take place.
Among the options reportedly being considered are modifying the stage design by removing the 360-degree configuration or relocating parts of the production setup within the stadium.
Authorities said discussions with organisers are continuing to find a solution that satisfies both production requirements and venue safety standards.
No final decision has yet been announced regarding the concert layout.
Fans question ticket sales before approval
The minister’s clarification has intensified criticism from fans, many of whom questioned how tickets were sold before the venue had received final approval.
Thousands of fans had already purchased tickets for the sold-out concerts, leading to frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the venue.
Some social media users criticised the event promoter, while others called for clearer communication from both organisers and government authorities during the planning process.
The issue has also sparked widespread discussion among BTS’ global fanbase, known as ARMY, with many urging organisers to provide timely updates.
October concerts remain scheduled
At present, there has been no official announcement cancelling BTS’ October concerts in Chile.
The government and the promoter continue to explore ways to proceed with the performances, either by adapting the original venue setup or implementing an alternative arrangement.
Fans are now awaiting an official update confirming the final venue configuration ahead of the highly anticipated concerts.
Conclusion
Chile’s Sports Minister has clarified that BTS’ October concerts were never cancelled because the National Stadium had not yet received official approval for the performances. While concerns over the proposed stage remain under discussion, authorities and organisers are continuing efforts to ensure the concerts proceed as planned.