BTS leader RM (Kim Nam-joon) took the stage at the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, calling for global cooperation to support creators and strengthen the cultural ecosystem that powers K-pop and beyond.
A Global Voice for Creativity and Inclusion
RM delivered his 10-minute keynote speech under the theme “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.”
Speaking from the Gyeongju Arts Center, he reflected on his journey as both an artist and cultural ambassador, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity and inclusivity across borders.
“It is an honor to stand here in my home country and meet the leaders shaping APEC’s future,” RM began. “As a creator, I feel deep pride that culture and creative industries have become a key agenda of this year’s APEC Summit.”
Reflecting on the BTS Journey
RM revisited BTS’s early struggles as a non-English-speaking group entering the global music scene.
“When we first performed overseas over a decade ago, I couldn’t imagine standing here today,” he said. “It was not easy to make Korean-language music resonate in English-speaking countries, but through effort and the support of ARMY, we crossed that barrier.”
He credited BTS’s fan community, ARMY, as the driving force behind their success.
“ARMY’s inclusivity and solidarity have been my greatest inspiration. K-pop’s strength lies in its ability to blend global influences with Korea’s own emotional and aesthetic identity,” he added.
Calling for Investment in Culture
RM urged global leaders to view art and culture not just as entertainment, but as vital tools for unity and understanding.
“Please provide opportunities and financial support for creators around the world to express their talents,” he said.
“When artists are free to create, they generate new values that transcend borders and nurture empathy, courage, and hope.”
He concluded his speech by promising to continue his own role as an artist who bridges cultures:
“As an artist, I’ll do my best to deliver courage, hope, and inclusiveness through music on the broader stage you are helping to open.”
A Voice for Cultural Diplomacy
RM’s participation marks a historic first for a K-pop artist speaking at an APEC CEO Summit. His message — blending culture, creativity, and cooperation — reinforced Korea’s growing influence as a leader in global soft power.
RM’s speech came amid APEC’s expanded focus on cultural industries as a driver of sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Editor’s Insight
There is a profound, full-circle gravity in watching RM stand at the podium of the APEC CEO Summit. For years, the world viewed K-pop as a fascinating “export” or a synchronized anomaly. But by the time Namjoon finished his 10-minute keynote in Gyeongju, he had effectively reframed the entire industry as a global standard for diplomatic and economic infrastructure. He wasn’t just there to represent BTS; he was there as a high-level strategist for the soul of the Asia-Pacific.