RM Leader of Global Pop Sensation of BTS, is set to make History as the first K-POP Artist to deliver a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Gyeongju. The APEC CEO Summit gathers leader from 21-member economies and Global Business figures to explore transformative industries and emerging economic trends. This year’s theme is “Beyond, Business, Bridge” will explore new partnerships through cross-border innovation and collaboration. The APEC CEO Summit, the largest private-sector forum linked to APEC 2025, brings together top business and government leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.
HYBE will operate a promotional booth at the Gyeongju Arts Center to showcase its global business network spanning the US, Japan, China, Latin America and India, as well as highlight its multi-label artists’ achievements and the fan culture symbolized by K-pop light sticks. The two-day APEC CEO Summit will feature 20 sessions, special addresses and leaders’ speeches by 85 speakers, covering a range of global issues including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, finance, cultural industries, digital currencies, energy transition and supply chain resilience. RM will be the only K-pop artist to take part as a speaker, representing Korea’s cultural influence on the global stage.
“A Historic Appearance Amid Global Business Leader”
On Oct.29, RM will take the stage during the summit’s Second-day Cultural session to speak on “Cultural and creative Industries and the soft Power Of K-Culture in the APEC region.” While the details of his remarks have not been disclosed, expectations are high that he will share insight on how Korean culture has become a unifying force across borders.
During 11 minutes Speech, RM emphasized the importance of Cultural Convergence and Diversity, standing that “K-POP is like Bibimbap”- a symbol
“K-POP is like Bibimbap” RM’s Message On Cultural Convergence:
I like to compare “K-POP music to Bibimbap and Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish.” So, you take ‘Bap’, which is rice. Then you put all kinds of vegetables, meat, and flavoring on top and mix it all up. And that’s the bibimbap part and K-Pop is much the same. You take Korea’s unique aesthetics, emotion, and production system. But you don’t turn away elements of western music like Hip- Hop R&B or EDM.
Just like bibimbap these parts all keep their unique identities, but mix together to make something new and fresh and delightful. K-Pop is not just a genre of music it is a 360-degree total package of music video and even social media. K-Pop success came from respecting diversity and embarrassing royal culture but still holding on to Korea’s unique identity. When Cultural barriers come down and different voices harmonize together, there’s an explosion of creative energy. This is where ARMY’s Borderless solidarity came from. And this is why K-POP is loved everywhere. A true moment of pride for where music, culture, and Leadership unite. Many were emotional as he gave a heartfelt shout to ARMY’s acknowledge their role in BTS’s Journey.
“RM Heartfelt tribute to member’s and ARMY’s”: –
I’m a very lucky person, I’m lucky to have met the six other members of BTS, I’m lucky that I met our producer ‘Hitman Bang’. Who gave us his full support that we could make the music we love. But most importantly, I’m lucky I met ARMY’s who accept our music not just as a diversion but our shared language of life. And by the way ARMY’s is the name of the Official BTS Fandom for your Information. The ARMY’s Woooooo!!!!! Shutout to ARMY’s all over the world. And the ARMY’s is where I just finished my military service. I was there for 18 months just wanted to make sure. So, ARMY’s support and passion across all borders opened up like a brand-new path for me. They gave me a voice that was heard at the Billboard Music Awards, at the Grammy, at the United Nation and even at the White House at such Historic and Symbolic events like Right Here at the APEC.
“How RM Redefined soft Power on the World stage”
RM’s keynote at APEC 2025 was far more than a celebrity appearance. It was a milestone, a bold redefinition of what global summits can look like when they include not just economists or CEOs, but creators and artists. By drawing parallels between K-pop and bibimbap, RM reminded the world that culture thrives not by erasing differences, but by embracing them. His journey from street flyers and cultural outsiders to commanding a stage before world leaders embodies the transformative power of art, diversity, and unity. More importantly, his message serves as a call to action: invest in creativity, support cultural industries, and recognize the human connections that art builds. In a world often divided by borders, RM’s speech offered hope: that through music, culture, and shared human expression, we might build bridges — beyond business, beyond politics, beyond geography.
Written by – Divya Kumari
About the author –
My name is Divya Kumari, I recently appeared for the TOPIK I exam which is held on 19 Oct 2025. I have always been deeply passionate about South Korean culture. As BTS’s RM beautifully said, “No matter who you are, where you’re from, your gender identity, or your skin color—just speak to yourself.” These words have always inspired me to be confident in who I am, and my love for South Korea continues to motivate me to follow my passion.That is why I decided to participate in this Internship and gain valuable experience in this field. I am grateful to Learn Korean in India (LKI) for giving me the opportunity to express my love for the Korean language and culture.