BTS Skips Met Gala 2026 Despite Reported Invitations — Tour Gap Before Mexico City

May 4, 2026 is the date of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Met Gala in New York City — and BTS's scheduled rest day between the El Paso leg (May 2–3) and the Mexico City leg (May 5–10) of the ARIRANG World Tour. Multiple entertainment outlets reported that Jungkook and V (Kim Tae-hyung) had received Met Gala invitations this year, fueling widespread fan speculation about BTS making their first-ever appearance at fashion's biggest night. However, no BTS members attended the event. A viral list circulating on X (Twitter) included Jungkook and V among invited celebrities; neither appeared on the official red carpet. The May 4 rest-day gap in the ARIRANG World Tour schedule reflects standard touring logistics for cross-border travel ahead of the Mexico City run at Estadio Azteca (May 5–10 — six sold-out nights). BTS has historically maintained a low presence at Western fashion events, preferring industry music engagements. The Met Gala's 2026 theme was 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.'