BTS’ RM Becomes First K-pop Artist to Speak at APEC Summit

BTS leader RM (Kim Nam-joon) made history as the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote speech at the 2025 APEC CEO Summit, held on Wednesday at the Gyeongju Arts Center in North Gyeongsang Province. Speaking in English, he highlighted how diversity and cultural exchange have been key to K-pop’s global rise, while urging world leaders to invest more in the cultural sector.

Credit: APEC Summit

RM opened his address by explaining that “K-pop is not just a genre of music. It is a 360-degree, total package of music, dance, performance, visual style, storytelling, music video and even social media.” He emphasized that the genre’s worldwide appeal stems from its ability to “respect diversity and embrace world cultures but still hold onto Korea’s unique identity.”

Drawing an analogy to one of Korea’s most beloved dishes, he said K-pop could be compared to bibimbap, which blends diverse ingredients while retaining their individual flavors. “We take Korea’s unique aesthetics, notions and production system, but we don’t turn away elements of Western music like hip-hop, R&B or EDM. Just like bibimbap, these parts all keep their unique identities but mix together to make something new and fresh and delightful,” RM explained.

Credit: APEC Summit

During his speech, titled “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-culture,” RM described culture as a powerful connector between people and societies. He encouraged political and business leaders to view cultural investment as vital to future growth. “Culture is like a river. It flows freely, different strains sometimes coming together in harmony just like K-pop,” he said. “When you think about investing in tomorrow's generations, think about culture as well as economics. Culture and art are a powerful force that moves hearts. They are the fastest messengers that carry diversity and resonance. As the leaders of APEC, your policies and support will be the canvas and playground for all creators.”

Reflecting on BTS’s early struggles, RM recounted how the group had to fight for recognition in the early days of their career. “When we said we are artists from Korea, they did not ask us about our music, they asked, ‘Are you from North Korea or South Korea? Where on Earth is Korea?’ So we had to explain where Korea was before we could even talk about our music and that was the reality,” he recalled, noting that their journey began with street performances and flyer handouts for free shows.

Credit: APEC Summit

RM also paid heartfelt tribute to ARMY, the group’s global fandom, crediting their passion for breaking cultural barriers. “Army's support and passion crossed all borders and opened up like a brand new path for me. They gave me a voice that was heard at the Billboard Music Awards, at the Grammys, at the United Nations, and even at the White House at such historic and symbolic events, like right here at the APEC,” he said. He further described K-pop’s impact beyond entertainment, saying, “It's not something we can really calculate or measure. It's a bridge that connects worlds.”

RM concluded by emphasizing the creative energy that emerges when differences are embraced rather than resisted. “When culture barriers come down and different voices harmonise together, there is an explosion of creative energy,” he said.

Credit: APEC Summit

The 2025 APEC CEO Summit, themed “Bridge, Business, Beyond,” runs for three days in Gyeongju, hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event brings together leaders from 16 of the 21 APEC member economies and around 1,700 global CEOs to discuss innovation and future industries. Notably, HYBE, the parent company of BTS’s label BigHit Music, is the only entertainment firm among the summit’s official sponsors, participating as a diamond-tier sponsor. The company has also set up a promotional booth at the venue to showcase its global network across the U.S., Japan, China, Latin America, and India, along with the creative achievements of artists under its multi-label system, further underscoring the growing global influence of K-culture.