BTS' RM speaking at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 on Oct. 29 at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongju, South Korea (APEC CEO Summit website, screenshot from KBS video on YouTube)

RM (Kim Nam-joon), the leader of Grammy-nominated K-pop icon BTS, delivered a compelling speech at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 held on Oct. 29 at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Marking the first time that the cultural and creative industries have been elevated as a key agenda item at APEC, RM became the first K-pop artist ever to take the stage as a speaker at the summit.

“As one of the most prestigious multilateral gatherings, the Summit will bring together global CEOs, distinguished experts, and senior economic leaders under the theme ‘Bridge, Business, Beyond,’” according to the Summit website.

RM talked about “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.”

In his remarks, RM spoke passionately about the transformative power of the cultural industry and how culture serves as one of the most dynamic forces for spreading messages of diversity and acceptance worldwide.

The logo of the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 (Photo from APEC CEO Summit's Facebook account) BTS' RM speaking at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 on Oct. 29 at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongju, South Korea (Screenshot from KBS video on YouTube) BTS' RM speaking at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 on Oct. 29 at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongju, South Korea (Screenshot from KBS video on YouTube)

He elaborated on the remarkable influence of K-culture—and K-pop in particular—in fostering a powerful, inclusive community that transcends national borders. His insightful and heartfelt words deeply resonated with the audience, culminating in enthusiastic applause.

“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.