[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] The Chilean leg of the BTS world tour concert “ARIRANG” will now proceed as scheduled. The Chilean government, which had initially denied permission to use the venue citing concerns such as damage to the grass, reversed its decision following discussions with the local concert promoter and approved the event.

According to a report by local media outlet Emol on the 21st (local time), the Chilean government has granted final approval for the use of the National Stadium in Santiago for the BTS concerts scheduled for October 14 and October 16–17.
The Chilean government stated, “We made this decision after the concert promoter presented a series of technical modifications designed to protect the stadium’s athletic facilities.” It further explained, “We have ensured that heavy machinery will not move across the grass during the installation of the 360-degree stage. The stage setup will be conducted using cranes on the running track.”
Furthermore, the government added, “We plan to apply various protective technologies and methods, such as using protective covers that allow the turf to breathe and retain airflow,” noting, “We have determined that the estimated recovery period for the stadium’s turf can be shortened compared to the original plan.”
Earlier this month, the Chilean National Institute of Sports (IND), an agency under the Chilean Ministry of Sports, denied permission to use the National Stadium for the BTS concert. At the time, the IND explained that, following a technical and operational assessment, it had determined that the installation of a 360-degree central stage could adversely affect the recovery of the stadium’s turf.
In response, hundreds of BTS fans took to the streets to protest the IND’s decision. The fans marched through downtown Santiago holding signs with slogans such as “BTS to the National Stadium” and “Neither music nor art damages the stadium.” They marched as far as La Moneda Palace, the Chilean presidential palace, voicing their criticism of the government’s decision. Subsequently, the Chilean government announced that it would reconsider whether to approve the concert once the local concert promoter submitted a revised technical proposal.
BTS is currently on their “Arirang” world tour, which includes a total of 88 performances across 34 cities worldwide. This would mark the first time a Korean artist has held a concert at the Chilean National Stadium.