The APEC CEO Summit is the largest private-sector forum αѕѕociated with APEC 2025, bringing together top business and government leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s summit, held under the theme “Beyond, Business, Bridge (3B)”, aims to explore new partnerships through innovation and cross-border collaboration.
The two-day event features 20 sessions, including keynote addresses and special talks by 85 global leaders, discussing a wide range of international issues. Among them, RM stood out as the only K-pop artist invited as a speaker, representing the cultural influence of South кσяєα on the global stage.
As previously reported worldwide, on October 29, RM delivered an impressive opening address at the Gyeongju Arts Center, welcoming attendees and speaking on the topic “The Cultural Industry and the Soft Power of кσяєαn Culture in the APEC Region.” His remarks offered a thoughtful perspective on the role of culture and creativity in shaping global connection.
The line “I like to compare kpop music to bibimbap” quickly went viral on social media right after his speech. “You take pap, which is rice, and you put all kinds of vegetables, meat, and flavorings on top, and mix it all up. And that’s the bibim part. And Kpop is much the same. You take кσяєα's unique aesthetics, emotions and production systems but you don’t turn away elements of western music like Hiphop, R&B or EDM. Just like bibimbap these parts all keep their unique identities but mix together to make soмєтнing new and fresh and delightful”, RM elaborated.
Drawing from his own experience, RM explained how K-pop — including BTS — has transcended borders and captured hearts around the world. He emphasized the crucial role of ARMYs, calling them “the driving force that broke down mαѕѕive barriers” and “created a positive impact that transcended borders through the power of pure cultural unity.”
He concluded, “Culture is like a river. It flows freely, different streams, sometimes coming together in harmony, just like Kpop. coming together to carry itself far away and create soмєтнing new. I like to see this creative flow of culture happen everywhere around the world. And the asia pacific region has incredible dynamic cultural diversity”.
Notably, RM made a powerful appeal before hundreds of global leaders, urging them to expand economic and institutional support so that creators around the world can fully realize their creative potential. He said loudly, "As a creator and artist of this generation. I’d like to use this opportunity to make a request to the leaders and distinguished guests of APEC. There are creators all around the world. Please help them. Give them the financial support so that their own creativity can bloom. Give them the opportunities so that their talents can really shine...As the leaders of APEC, your policies and support will be the canvas and playground for all the creators. The foundation for creators all over the world to pour out their creativity."
He marked the conclusion of his speech by reiterating his call once again: "I like to ask for your support for the future. I think and I believe you can make this happen. Your support can make creators let their creativity soar. With your help, their creations will resonate around the whole world."
Standing before some of the world’s most influential economic figures, RM broke away from formalities, choosing instead to address real issues head-on and propose tangible actions. His persuasive words resonated deeply with the au∂ιєnce, likely opening new discussions about creative industries within global policy.
RM was widely praised for his courage and authenticity, using his global platform to advocate for creative voices worldwide. He didn’t just represent BTS — he stood for an entire generation of кσяєαn artists, and even more broadly, for global cultural creators who have long been considered “outside the center of power.”
This isn’t the first time RM has done soмєтнing like this. He has delivered speeches on major global issues at least eight times. Only he and BTS possess the stature and influence to stand tall on such significant political, economic, and social stages.
That moment continued solidifying why people say BTS truly “paved the way.” They didn’t just open doors for K-pop — they ushered in a new era where art and creativity stand alongside economics, politics, and knowledge as forces shaping the world. RM’s speech left a profound impression, earning deep respect from both the public and international media.
Social media was soon flooded with admiration for RM's symbolic moment at APEC 2025:
- RM spoke for all creators on the world stage. It’s moving to see an idol who thinks not only of fans, but of every creative mind out there
- When ARMYs said BTS PAVED THE WAY, this is what we meant!
- He's so professional with everything he does. Should be admired.
- Always thinking about art & creativity around the world like true leaders do
- The K-pop industry will never ever produce another legend like Kim Namjoon.
- BTS once again paving the way. Who else would dare to say such things in front of hundreds of the world’s top economic leaders? Only our President Namjoon.
- RM is an intellectual, an artist, a genius. I was in αωє when I first heard him speak at the United Nations in 2018, ant it was one of the factors that drew me in to BTS. I am still in αωє of him. I feel like a proud mom!!!
- That’s Kim Namjoon, the Leader of BTS. We are so proud of you Joon. Love you so much
- Another amazing speech. So proud of the Kim Namjoon
- "for Asia, man, we paved the way"- RM of BTS The Father of K-pop. No one can speak facts like him THIS IS KIM NAMJOON AKA RM FOR YOU
- The fact this is truly the epitome of how Namjoon is the father of kpop, how thanks to his revolutionary ideas, he changed the kpop industry!
- RM paved the way and he is the greatest and most beautiful person on earth and if you disagree the problem is you.
- This is what paving the way actually looks like. And people still wonder why he holds such a defining role in the K-pop industry.. A true founder and leader, period.
