RM, the leader of global pop phenomenon BTS, has become the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit — a stage typically reserved for world leaders and industry titans.
Taking place in Gyeongju on Oct. 29, the rapper, songwriter and cultural ambassador spoke during the summit’s second-day cultural session under the theme “Cultural and Creative Industries and the Soft Power of K-Culture in the APEC Region.”
“I am just an artist. I am not a business leader, so today, I want to speak to you as a creator and an artist,” said RM, 31, as he addressed an audience of policymakers and executives gathered for the region’s annual trade forum.
“When cultural barriers come down and different voices harmonise together, there’s an explosion of creative energy,” he continued. “This is why K-Pop is loved everywhere.”
RM went on to highlight the global influence of BTS’s fanbase, saying that the group’s ARMY — a legion of millions spanning continents — is “crossing borders and breaking down barriers through the pure power of cultural solidarity.”
The speech marked a symbolic moment for Korean soft power, as South Korea continues to leverage its cultural exports as a key driver of economic and diplomatic influence. RM compared culture to a “river flowing freely,” and likened K-pop itself to “bibimbap” — a traditional Korean dish that blends diverse ingredients into a single, harmonious whole.
