RM Becomes First K‑Pop Artist to Deliver Keynote at APEC CEO Summit
A milestone moment in Gyeongju spotlights K‑culture’s soft power and the creative economy
RM, the leader of BTS, made history as the first K‑pop artist to deliver a keynote at the APEC CEO Summit, taking the stage at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongsangbuk‑do during the summit’s cultural session.
Speaking from 3:05 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. (KST), RM addressed the theme “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K‑Culture.” While the full text of his remarks was not released, the address drew on his experience leading BTS—one of the most globally influential K‑pop acts—to illustrate how Korean content connects communities and bridges cultures worldwide.
APEC introduced RM as “a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast,” noting his reputation for lyricism inspired by diverse art forms and his boundary‑pushing collaborations. That profile positioned him as an apt voice to discuss the influence of K‑culture across member economies.
This year’s APEC CEO Summit convened heads of state and corporate leaders from 21 member economies under the banner “Beyond, Business, Bridge,” exploring transformative industries and emerging trends shaping the global economic landscape.
Underscoring K‑pop’s growing soft power, HYBE—the parent company of BTS’s label Big Hit Music—participated as a Diamond Sponsor, the summit’s top tier and the only entertainment company among official sponsors. HYBE also operated a booth highlighting its global network across the United States, Japan, China, Latin America, and India, along with the achievements of its multi‑label artists and K‑pop’s distinctive fan culture.
RM’s presence at high‑level forums is not new. He previously addressed the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, returning in 2020 and 2021 with messages of hope for youth worldwide.
Looking ahead, RM is preparing alongside BTS for the group’s next album, slated for spring 2026—their first full release in four years following the members’ military service completions.