South Korean pop group BTS has emerged as the most influential figure of South Korean popular culture in Latin America, according to the 2025 Global Hallyu Survey published by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange.
The seven-member music group secured 15.4 percent of mentions to top the regional ranking, while Mexico-based content creator Chingu Amiga claimed second place with 5.9 percent. The survey marks the first time that social media content creators were included in the influence evaluation category by research organizers.
The findings illustrate the continued growth of Hallyu, a term describing the worldwide spread of South Korean music, television dramas, cinema, fashion, and culinary traditions. Across Latin America, the cultural movement has inspired millions of followers to learn the Korean language, recreate dance routines, and adopt Asian style trends.
The research foundation, known as KOFICE, operates under the auspices of South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The agency conducts annual global studies to evaluate international engagement with Korean cultural exports and track audience preferences across key continental markets.
Behind BTS and Chingu Amiga, South Korean actor Lee Minho ranked third in regional influence after gathering 4.7 percent of survey mentions. BTS member Jungkook placed fourth with 4.0 percent, while singer and actor Cha Eun-woo took fifth place with 2.6 percent of total responses.
Global Hallyu Survey ranking results
The KOFICE report highlighted the rapid ascent of Chingu Amiga, whose digital content has driven major audience engagement across Latin America, particularly in Mexico. The inclusion of digital creators reflects how social media platforms have joined mainstream television and music channels as primary drivers of Korean pop culture overseas.
Chingu Amiga, whose real name is Sujin Kim, is a South Korean internet personality based in Mexico who has gathered millions of followers across platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. Her videos focus on lighthearted cultural comparisons, language learning, and daily experiences as a Korean expatriate living in Latin America.
In the separate category measuring fan choices for overall favorite Korean figures, BTS maintained its leadership position across Latin America by securing 33.7 percent of total preferences. Four-member girl group BLACKPINK took second place among favorite acts, earning 15.2 percent of regional votes.
Formed in Seoul, BTS consists of members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. The group achieved unprecedented international success for a Korean musical act, earning chart-topping releases on global music charts and building a dedicated fan base known as ARMY.
According to survey analysis reported by news outlet Milenio, BTS and Lee Minho successfully preserved their top rankings compared to results from the previous year. Both figures ranked as the primary preferences across diverse age brackets and gender demographics worldwide.
Lee Minho established his standing as a leading figure of the Korean Wave through starring roles in popular television series such as Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, and The King Eternal Monarch, which gained wide distribution across Latin American streaming platforms.
The survey also highlighted the broader international influence of South Korean pop music, citing ensemble acts such as Stray Kids and TWICE alongside solo vocalists IU and G-Dragon. These artists have expanded the footprint of K-pop by filling stadium venues and appearing on international broadcast programs.
Lima concert security and transport plans
The publication of the cultural study comes as Peruvian municipal authorities finalize operational arrangements for a series of major live performances by BTS at San Marcos Stadium in Lima. The Municipality of Lima announced extensive public safety, traffic management, and municipal oversight measures for the group's concerts scheduled on October 7, 9, and 10.
Lima Mayor Renzo Reggiardo outlined the logistical plan following an official planning meeting attended by representatives of local BTS fan organizations and heads of municipal management divisions. Reggiardo announced that approximately 1,000 security agents and municipal officers will be deployed during each concert date.
The multi-agency deployment will oversee public safety, traffic movement, code enforcement inspections, emergency medical services, venue cleanliness, and general order in public areas surrounding the stadium perimeter.
City inspectors will conduct joint enforcement operations alongside Peru's national consumer protection and intellectual property agency, Indecopi. The patrols are designed to eliminate unauthorized street vending and prevent illicit ticket scalping in the streets adjacent to the venue.
Indecopi, officially known as the National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Intellectual Property, acts as Peru's primary regulatory body for consumer rights enforcement and fair market trade practices.
Public transit and venue management
To handle the expected surge of concertgoers traveling to and from the venue, municipal officials are coordinating transport schedules with the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao, known as the ATU.
Mayor Reggiardo stated that city officials had already conducted direct planning sessions with ATU President David Hernandez to guarantee adequate public transportation services for spectators leaving the stadium after the performances finish.
The ATU regulates urban transport corridors, bus rapid transit lines, and public transit operators across the broader Lima metropolitan area, which houses more than 10 million residents.
San Marcos Stadium, located on the main campus of the National University of San Marcos in Lima, is one of Peru's largest outdoor venues for international athletic events and musical concert tours. Fans from across South America, including visitors from Brazil and Mexico, have traveled to Lima for the three scheduled performances.
