BTS RM Speech at APEC Summit Champions K-Pop Soft Power

RM of the global supergroup BTS made history on October 29, 2025, by delivering a powerful keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit. The landmark BTS RM speech, which took place at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, marked the first time a K-pop artist has been invited to give a keynote at the prestigious event, solidifying the global influence of K-culture.

A Historic Address on K-Culture Soft Power

Titled “Cultural Industry and K-Culture Soft Power in the APEC Region (from a creator’s perspective),” RM’s 10-minute speech captivated the audience of global leaders and CEOs. He eloquently articulated the essence of K-pop’s success, comparing its diverse and harmonious nature to bibimbap, a beloved Korean mixed rice dish. Describing culture as something that flows “like a river,” he emphasized its ability to transcend borders and connect people from different backgrounds, a core tenet of K-pop’s worldwide appeal.

A Tribute to ARMY and a Call to Action

Throughout his address, RM remained humble, attributing much of the group’s success to their dedicated fanbase.

Acknowledging the Fandom’s Role

He gave a heartfelt shoutout to the group’s global fandom, ARMY, stating, “ARMY was the power that broke down those barriers.” This acknowledgment highlighted the symbiotic relationship between BTS and their fans. Reflecting on the group’s incredible 10-year journey, RM noted that when they started, they “could not have dreamed of today’s reality,” underscoring the monumental achievements they have unlocked alongside their supporters.

A Plea for Future Creators in the BTS RM speech

Looking toward the future, the BTS RM speech concluded with a poignant and direct appeal to the influential figures in the room. “There are creators all over the world. Please help them,” he urged, using his platform to advocate for emerging artists and the creative ecosystem as a whole. This call to action reinforced his role not just as an artist, but as a thoughtful advocate for the cultural industry.

Global Fandom Reacts: #HistoryMakerRM Trends Worldwide

Immediately following the speech, fans across the globe erupted in a wave of pride and celebration on social media. The hashtag #HistoryMakerRM quickly trended worldwide, with ARMYs sharing clips of the speech and expressing their admiration for RM’s eloquence and leadership. Many fans recalled his previous high-profile international engagements, including his impactful speeches at the UN General Assembly in 2018 and a visit to the United States White House. This event is another milestone in a long line of his powerful and emotional speeches that have moved fans and solidified his status as a global thought leader. The overwhelming response cemented the APEC summit speech as a historic moment for both BTS and their dedicated fanbase.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.