BTS’ upcoming concerts in Chile have suddenly been thrown into uncertainty.
A little more than three months before the scheduled performances, BTS’s Chile stops on BTS World Tour Arirang 2026 encountered an unexpected obstacle. Chile’s National Sports Institute (IND) has officially denied permission to use the Estadio Nacional, the venue originally booked to host the group’s three-night concert series.
The news quickly sparked concern among ARMYs in Chile and around the world, as the concerts were considered one of the most anticipated stops of BTS’s reunion world tour after the group’s long hiatus.
According to an official statement from the National Institute of Sport, the decision came after a technical and operational review of the venue. The agency concluded that the stadium’s main field should not be used for BTS concerts scheduled for October 2026. Officials stressed that the decision is based entirely on technical considerations and the need to protect the country’s national sports infrastructure.
The IND explained that the 360-degree stage planned by BTS is one of the most technically demanding concert setups currently in use. Installing such a large structure in the center of the stadium would place significant pressure on the hybrid natural grass surface, which is still recovering from several major events held earlier this year.
While the field remains suitable for professional and international soccer matches, the agency believes that hosting an event the size of a BTS concert could significantly delay the field’s resumption and interfere with several major sporting events already scheduled.
The institute stressed that its decision should not be interpreted as an opposition to major entertainment events, but rather as an effort to protect already planned commitments.
Upcoming events include an official match of the Chile national football team in November, national professional football competitions, etc Telethon 2026 charity event and numerous other high-level sporting activities. According to the IND, if the field does not recover in time after three BTS concerts, Chile could risk failing to meet international standards required for future sporting events.
Despite the Estadio Nacional’s refusal, BTS’ concerts in Chile have not been officially cancelled.
Alternatively, the IND proposed moving the shows to the Explanada Sur (Parque Sur) area within the Estadio Nacional complex. Officials believe this solution would allow concerts to take place without causing damage to the stadium’s main playing surface.
However, the event organizers have not yet announced whether they will accept the proposed location or look for another stadium that can accommodate BTS’s massive audience and complex 360-degree stage production.
All tickets for the three concerts in Chile sold out shortly after going on sale, demonstrating BTS’s enormous popularity across South America. The group is currently scheduled to perform in Santiago on October 14, 16 and 17, 2026, as part of the BTS World Tour Arirang.
With the original venue no longer approved, the future of the concerts remains uncertain. Fans are now waiting for an official announcement from the organizers and BTS management regarding a replacement venue and the fate of one of the most anticipated K-pop events in Chile in 2026.
Sources: Saostar
