BTS leader RM urged greater global support for artists and creators during his keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit, held alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ meeting this week in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 28–30, 2025.
The APEC CEO Summit is a premier business forum where heads of state and top executives from 21 member economies discuss innovation, sustainability, and emerging global trends. This year’s theme is “Beyond, Business, Bridge.”
RM — whose real name is Kim Nam-joon — took the stage at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday as a keynote speaker on “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.”
In his address, RM likened K-pop to bibimbap, a traditional Korean mixed-rice dish. “Bibimbap combines rice with vegetables, meat, and spices — all mixed together. K-pop is similar,” he explained. “It embraces elements of hip-hop, R&B, and EDM while incorporating Korea’s unique aesthetics, emotions, and production systems. Like bibimbap, each ingredient maintains its own identity yet blends harmoniously to create something new.”
He added, “K-pop is not just a music genre. It’s a 360-degree experience — encompassing music, dance, performance, visual style, storytelling, and social media.”
RM emphasized that K-pop’s success does not stem from cultural superiority but from diversity and openness. “K-pop thrives because it embraces global cultures while maintaining its Korean identity,” he said. “When cultural boundaries fade and diverse voices unite, creativity flourishes. That’s what gave rise to the borderless unity of ARMY — and why K-pop continues to resonate around the world.”
He also appealed to policymakers and business leaders to invest in creative talent. “There are creators all over the world. Please support them. Provide financial resources and opportunities so their talents can truly shine,” he said.
RM went on to stress that investing in future generations should extend beyond economics. “Culture and art have the power to move hearts. They are the fastest messengers of diversity and empathy,” he noted.
Closing his remarks, RM voiced his support for APEC’s vision: “As an artist, I promise that my imagination will fill the canvas you create. With your support, those creations will echo across the world.”
RM’s appearance marked the first time a K-pop artist has delivered a speech at the APEC CEO Summit.
