BTS named honorary guests of La Plata

BTS has been named official honorary guests of La Plata, Argentina, according to Argentine outlet Infocielo. Infocielo said on July 3 that La Plata City Council unanimously passed a motion declaring the members Huéspedes de Honor before their October concerts at Estadio Único.

According to the source article, the honorary guest designation is one of La Plata’s highest official courtesies under municipal ordinances for visiting dignitaries or global figures in culture and the arts. The council cited BTS’ global cultural influence and their role in spreading Korean language and Korean culture among young people.

The council also mentioned the community solidarity and charity work of the group’s fandom, ARMY, according to the source article. Local fans, including BTS La Plata, took part in the legislative process from May by holding peaceful gatherings in the plaza in front of city hall and following council discussions.

Ahead of the concerts, La Plata city authorities have begun building a security network with the concert production company and the hotel association for large audience movements, according to the source article. La Plata Mayor Julio Alak has been checking public safety and traffic systems while coordinating lodging regulations with the hotel association.

BTS is scheduled to perform BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' at Estadio Único de La Plata in Buenos Aires on October 21 and October 23-24, becoming the first Korean act to hold concerts at the stadium, according to the source article.

The group’s fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' also continued its chart run, according to the source article. On Spotify’s latest chart for June 26-July 2, 'ARIRANG' ranked No. 2 on Weekly Top Albums Global for a 3rd consecutive week and remained in the upper ranks for a 15th consecutive week; the source article said it has reached No. 1 on that chart a total of 9 times, the most No. 1 placements this year.

The title track 'SWIM' placed No. 6 on Weekly Top Songs Global, according to the source article. 'ARIRANG' ranked No. 37 on the Official Albums Top 100 for July 3-9 in Britain for a 15th consecutive week on the chart, stayed in the Top 10 for a 15th consecutive week at No. 9 on Germany’s Offizielle Deutsche Charts Top 100 Albums dated July 3, and ranked No. 10 on Australia’s ARIA Top 50 Albums dated July 6; 'SWIM' re-entered the Top 100 Singles at No. 99.