[Gyeongju APEC] BTS RM: "K-pop Is Like Bibimbap... Diversity and Harmony Are the Keys to Success"

"APEC Economic Leaders, Please Increase Support for Artists"

RM (real name Kim Namjoon), the leader of BTS, took the stage as a speaker at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, highlighting the diversity of K-pop culture while calling for greater support for artists around the world. This marks the first time that a K-pop artist has spoken at the APEC CEO Summit.

On October 29, at the sixth session of the 2025 APEC CEO Summit, titled 'Cultural Industry and K-Culture Soft Power in the APEC Region,' held at Gyeongju Arts Center in North Gyeongsang Province, RM delivered a keynote speech. He emphasized, "In order to invest in future generations, we must always consider culture and the economy together."

BTS's RM (Kim Namjoon) is delivering a speech on the topic of 'Cultural Industry and K-Culture Soft Power in the APEC Region' at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held on the 29th at Gyeongju Arts Center, Gyeongbuk. 2025.10.29 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

RM attributed the global popularity of K-pop to 'harmony.' He explained, "Just like bibimbap, where various ingredients are mixed together, K-pop combines elements with unique identities to create something fresh. K-pop has succeeded because it embraces diverse cultures while retaining uniquely Korean elements."

RM appealed to APEC economic leaders, saying, "I ask you to provide financial support for creators around the world so they can unleash their creativity," and reiterated, "To invest in future generations, we must always consider culture and the economy together."

He also expressed his gratitude to fans. RM recalled, "When BTS first ventured overseas ten years ago, people would ask whether we were artists from South or North Korea. It was our fans, ARMY, who broke down these barriers by engaging in conversations that transcended borders and languages through our music," crediting the fans for this achievement.

He continued, "ARMY is a new community and a fandom culture that is shaking the world. Even at this very moment, they are demonstrating the spirit of solidarity and tolerance without borders, powered by the pure force of cultural unity."

Meanwhile, earlier that day, RM attended the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit alongside Bang Si-hyuk, Chairman of HYBE. Afterward, Bang and RM visited the HYBE promotional booth set up on the third floor of Gyeongju Arts Center, the venue for the event.

Bang Si-hyuk, Chairman of HYBE (left), and BTS RM are viewing the HYBE promotional booth after attending the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held at Gyeongju Arts Center on the 29th. Provided by HYBE

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.