GYEONGJU, South Korea. BTS leader and acclaimed artist RM (Kim Nam-joon) made history as he took the stage at the 2025 APEC CEO Summit, becoming the first K-pop artist ever to deliver a keynote address at the prestigious global economic forum.
Speaking before world leaders, business executives, and policymakers, RM urged them to support creativity, culture, and the arts, calling them vital forces that connect people beyond borders. His speech, titled “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture,” drew praise for its sincerity and insight.
“There are creators all around the world. Please help them. Give them the financial support so that their own creativity can bloom. Give them the opportunities so that their talents can really shine,” RM said in his address, earning applause from the audience.
He described culture as “like a river that never stops flowing,” emphasizing how music and art have the power to heal, inspire, and unite people despite differences in language or background. RM also used a vivid metaphor to describe K-pop, likening it to bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish where “you take rice and mix it with all kinds of vegetables, meat, and flavors — and that’s how K-pop was made, by embracing diversity.”
RM’s appearance at APEC is seen as another milestone in his journey as both a global artist and thoughtful advocate for creativity and inclusion. As the leader of BTS, the world’s most influential K-pop group, he has long been recognized for his eloquence and insight — not only through music but also in global platforms.
Back in 2018, BTS made history when they were invited to speak at the United Nations General Assembly, with RM delivering an emotional speech about self-acceptance and empowerment under the theme “Speak Yourself.” The group returned to the UN in 2021, reaffirming their message of hope and resilience for youth worldwide. Now, in 2025, RM once again represented the power of art and youth voices — this time before the Asia-Pacific’s top economic leaders.
Known for his poetic writing and introspective lyrics, RM is one of BTS’s principal songwriters and producers. His solo works, including the albums “Indigo” and “Right Place, Wrong Person,” have been praised for their emotional depth and honesty — particularly in exploring themes like mental health, self-doubt, and personal growth.
In his closing remarks at APEC, RM expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak on behalf of artists and dreamers worldwide. “I will play my heart out in the playground you will build for us,” he said. “I promise to keep sending messages of courage, hope, and emotion through my music.”
As all BTS members have now completed their military service, fans are anticipating the group’s much-awaited full return. RM’s APEC speech, however, signals that their influence continues to expand beyond music — into the realms of diplomacy, culture, and global unity.
Through this historic appearance, RM once again proved that art and music are not merely entertainment — they are bridges that connect nations, generations, and hearts.
