BTS leader RM (Kim Namjoon) will make history as the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit 2025, held on October 29 in Gyeongju.
According to event organizers, RM will headline the Culture Session on day two of the summit, addressing the theme “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.”
The APEC CEO Summit gathers top executives and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific to discuss innovation, finance, sustainability, and culture. RM’s invitation reflects his global impact as both a musician and cultural ambassador.
Having previously delivered a memorable speech at the United Nations, RM’s participation marks another milestone for K-pop’s influence on the world stage. Fans are eagerly anticipating his insights on how Korean culture continues to inspire creativity and connection worldwide.
This year’s summit features over 70 speakers across 20 sessions, covering AI, finance, clean energy, and digital transformation — but RM’s cultural address is set to be one of the most anticipated moments.
The APEC CEO Summit runs from October 29–31, 2025, in Gyeongju, South Korea.
Editor’s Insights
Watching RM sit between the chairmen of global giants like Samsung and LG wasn’t just a “cool photo op”—it was a seismic shift in how the world views the Creative Economy. By becoming the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote at the APEC CEO Summit, RM has effectively transcended the “idol” label to become a Geopolitical Cultural Architect. While most artists are content with applause, RM is clearly interested in the Infrastructure of Soft Power. His address positioned K-culture not as a fleeting digital product, but as a sophisticated diplomatic tool that requires strategic policy “canvases” to thrive long-term.
From a strategic perspective, this appearance in Gyeongju acts as a “Macro-Level Branding” event for the entire BTS ensemble as they approach their 2026 full-group return. By engaging with 70 global leaders on topics like AI, Digital Transformation, and Sustainability, RM is ensuring that K-pop remains a primary stakeholder in the Asia-Pacific innovation dialogue.
This isn’t just about music; it’s about Topical Authority on a sovereign scale. RM’s transition from the UN podium to the APEC CEO Summit signals that “K-Culture” is now a permanent pillar of South Korea’s national interest, capable of sitting as an equal at the highest tables of global finance and policy.