In Mexico, K-Pop is more than a musical genre; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Blending pop, hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and rock, it has become a way of life for many. With over 14 million K-Pop fans, Mexico is the genre’s fifth-largest market globally and the only Spanish-speaking country in the top 10. The nation’s passion for K-Pop is evident in surging streams and vibrant fan communities.
To celebrate World K-Pop Day, Spotify is highlighting the streaming trends and fandom power that have made it an epicenter for K-Pop discovery in Mexico. The following infographic provides key insights.
K-Pop has become a streaming powerhouse in Mexico, with an impressive growth of over 500% in the last five years. With more than 14 million fans, Mexico holds the fifth spot for K-Pop listens globally and is the only Spanish-speaking country in the top 10.
The Mexican fandom is dominated by Gen Z, with nearly seven out of 10 K-Pop fans in the country being 29 years old or younger.
The top 5,000 K-Pop fans in Mexico demonstrate remarkable dedication, listening for an average of 655 minutes a day, which is nearly 11 hours of K-Pop daily. The number one fan streams for over 15 hours a day, from morning to night.
In Mexico, fandoms are deeply devoted to K-Pop, with streaming peaking on Tuesdays at 6 pm. Among these highly dedicated fans, Jimin and BTS are the most-played artists.
The “Korean wave” is a movement that has been building for years. It first reached Mexico in the 2000s through Korean television dramas, but the arrival of groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, Stray Kids, and Red Velvet in the 2010s truly ignited the K-Pop explosion. Since then, K-Pop streams on Spotify in Mexico have grown by more than 500% in the past five years.
What distinguishes Mexican fans is not just the time they spend streaming, especially among Gen Z, but the way they fully immerse themselves in K-Pop culture. Devotees in Mexico organize events, fill concert venues, host themed bazaars, and build thriving communities. They are a powerful force on social media, starting trends and supporting their idols. They also uniquely blend Mexican culture into their fan art, memes, and other creative content.
Most-Streamed K-Pop Songs on Spotify Mexico
- “Dynamite” by BTS
- “My Universe” by BTS and Coldplay
- “Seven (feat. Latto) (Explicit Ver.)” by Jung Kook and Latto
- “Like Crazy” by Jimin
- “Butter” by BTS
- “How You Like That” by BLACKPINK
- “APT.” by Bruno Mars and ROS
- “Who” by Jimin
- “Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)” by BTS and Halsey
- “MONEY” by LISA
Top 10 Trending K-Pop Artists in Mexico
- YEJI
- TEN
- SAY MY NAME
- MARK
- ZO ZAZZ
- Realslow
- 평화나무
- SEULGI
- J-Hope
- ARrC
Top 10 K-Pop Albums in Mexico
- MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 by BTS
- GOLDEN by Jung Kook
- THE ALBUM by BLACKPINK
- BE by BTS
- Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ by BTS
- The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever by BTS
- You Never Walk Alone by BTS
- MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA by BTS
- BORN PINK by BLACKPINK
- Love Yourself 承 ‘Her’ by BTS
K-Pop’s emotional storytelling and stunning visuals have deeply connected with Mexican listeners. The songs explore universal themes of love, friendship, and resilience, which fosters a sense of community and belonging. For many fans, language is not a barrier; the music and artists feel personal and relatable.
According to Alejandro Grageda, Head of Music at Spotify Mexico, “K-Pop artists connect with fans by being real and speaking openly about their feelings, which really resonates with young listeners in Mexico. They also promote an optimistic vision of the world—something that inspires fans to dream, believe in something better, and build strong, supportive communities together.”
Spotify is proud to have contributed to K-Pop’s growth in Mexico, providing a platform for listeners to discover new music and celebrate their favorite idols. They will continue to support the community, artists, and moments that make this genre so special.