BTS RM Delivers Powerful Speech at APEC CEO Summit 2025

RM, the leader of global phenomenon BTS, made history on October 29, 2025, by delivering a keynote speech at the APEC 2025 CEO Summit. This landmark BTS RM speech took place at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk province, marking the first time a K-pop artist has addressed the prestigious assembly of global leaders.

A Historic Address at the APEC CEO Summit

The summit, hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gathered approximately 1,700 influential leaders and CEOs from 21 member economies. RM attended the opening ceremony alongside HYBE Chairman Bang Sihyuk, representing the significant impact of the K-pop industry on the global stage. HYBE also participated as an official “Diamond Sponsor,” showcasing its music IP, global strategy, and innovative fan experience technology to the international business community.

RM’s Speech: K-Culture as a Harmonious ‘Bibimbap’

In his address, RM eloquently championed the global value of K-culture and advocated for greater investment in the creative sector. He used a powerful analogy to describe the essence of K-pop’s success, comparing it to the beloved Korean dish bibimbap.

The ‘Bibimbap’ Analogy for K-pop’s Global Influence

RM explained that just as bibimbap harmoniously blends diverse ingredients while allowing each to retain its unique identity, K-pop fuses Korean aesthetics with Western music. This blend, he argued, creates a new and compelling form of global value. His message highlighted how cultural products can transcend borders through thoughtful integration and authenticity, resonating with a worldwide audience.

The Power of Fandom and the Call for Creative Freedom

A significant portion of the BTS RM speech was dedicated to the group’s dedicated fandom, ARMY. He credited them as a primary force in breaking down international barriers and fostering a sense of cultural solidarity and positive influence that transcends language. RM also made a direct appeal for an environment that allows creators to express themselves freely, identifying this freedom as the wellspring of new aesthetics and solidarity within the cultural industry.

A Pledge for the Future of the Cultural Industry

Concluding his impactful speech, RM pledged to continue conveying messages of courage, hope, and inclusion through his music. His presence and thoughtful words at the APEC CEO Summit underscored a pivotal shift, placing the cultural industry at the forefront of discussions on future development alongside traditional economic considerations. The address serves as a powerful call to action for global leaders to recognize and nurture the immense potential of creative expression.

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