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RM, leader of BTS, has become the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit.
The historic speech took place on October 29 at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, during the second day of the summit's cultural session.
RM took the stage from 3:05 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., presenting on the theme "Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture." His appearance at this prestigious international business forum marks a significant milestone for both the BTS leader and the K-pop industry on the global stage.
The APEC introduced RM as "a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast," highlighting his reputation for crafting profound lyrics inspired by various art forms. According to APEC's official program, RM's flexible and philosophical approach to music, combined with his ability to push creative boundaries through innovative collaborations, positioned him as an ideal speaker to address the influence of Korean culture worldwide.
Drawing from his experience as the leader of BTS, one of the most influential K-pop acts globally, RM is expected to discuss how K-culture has bridged cultures and connected people around the world. His speech occurred as the APEC CEO Summit brought together heads of state and corporate leaders from 21 member economies to discuss transformative industries and emerging trends reshaping the global economic landscape, with this year's theme centered on "Beyond, Business, Bridge."
RM's international recognition in diplomatic and cultural spheres extends beyond this latest achievement. In 2018, he became the first Korean artist to address the United Nations General Assembly as a global youth ambassador, where he delivered an inspiring message encouraging young people to love themselves and raise their voices. He returned to the UN General Assembly in 2020 and 2021 to deliver additional messages of hope to youth worldwide.
The choice of having RM as a keynote speaker reflects the growing recognition of K-pop's global soft power and cultural significance. HYBE, the parent company of BTS's label Big Hit Music, participated as a Diamond Sponsor, the highest sponsorship tier, at the APEC CEO Summit, making it the only entertainment company among official sponsors. HYBE operated a promotional booth at the event to showcase its global business network spanning the United States, Japan, China, Latin America, and India, while highlighting its multi-label artists' achievements and K-pop's distinctive fan culture.
RM is currently preparing for BTS's return with a new album scheduled for spring 2026, marking the group's first release in four years and their full comeback following military service completions.
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