On Friday, BTS held their first concert in France since 2019. Fans quickly spotted French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, at the BTS concert on July 17 at Stade de France, which is the largest stadium in the country, located in Saint-Denis. The presidential couple was spotted in the stands during the group’s long-awaited return to Paris. When they appeared on the big screens, the crowd cheered for them.
France's President #EmmanuelMacron with First Lady #BrigitteMacron were seen having a blast with ARMY bombs at #BTS' sold-out concert in Paris tonight! ❤️🔥pic.twitter.com/wDMOFVU7HJ
— World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) July 17, 2026
The show marked BTS’s first Paris concert and one of the biggest stops yet on their ARIRANG world tour following military service. About 88,000 fans filled the stadium for the first night, and they have another sold-out show set for July 18. President Emmanuel Macron shared a highlight of the night on his official Instagram, posting a video of BTS performing “Dynamite” with the caption “Bienvenue à Paris!” (Welcome to Paris!). The clip quickly went viral, showing just how much fans in France love the group.
President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron reportedly secured tickets valued at 2,000 euros to catch the show. President Macron’s visit had a diplomatic purpose. This year marks 140 years of friendship between France and South Korea, and his attendance was a sign of respect. By being there, the president acknowledged that the relationship between the two countries has grown to encompass not just government ties but also the global influence of South Korean culture.
Fans had joked about a link between Macron and BTS before, and his appearance at the concert made it feel more real. A video showing the president and first lady struggling to turn on their light sticks amused people. Fans joked that the couple looked just like parents trying to figure out a new gadget.
[INFO] French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron with the ARMY BOMBS 😭🤣🇫🇷#BTS_WORLDTOUR_ARIRANG_PARIS pic.twitter.com/dIW5fUslIb
— BTS Charts News (@btschartsxdaily) July 17, 2026
Fans’ Reaction on Social Media
The sight of President Macron and the First Lady holding their own ARMY Bombs sent fans into a frenzy, with many jokingly declaring that BTS’s influence is officially limitless. On social media, ARMY celebrated the moment as the ultimate proof of the group’s “soft power,” sharing viral clips and memes about how the world’s most powerful leaders are now joining the fandom
BTS is on a different level! They are collecting new fans including heads of states… No one is to be spared
When the ARMY drops bombs, even the French president can’t help but join the fan club.
Not even the French president is immune to the BTS effect
Imagine being so big that the president of the country where you’re holding a concert comes to watch you perform. That’s the level of greatness we’re talking about