Recently, RM delivered a speech at the 2025 APEC CEO Summit during a cultural session titled “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of Korean Culture.” This marks the first time a K-pop artist has spoken at an APEC event, bringing immense pride not only to fans but also to the entire K-pop industry.
Dressed in a neat suit and standing before global economic leaders, RM cited harmony in diversity as the driving force behind K-pop’s success, delivering a symbolic and viral statement right after his presentation: “I like to compare K-pop music to bibimbap.”
Drawing from over a decade of BTS’s own journey — from their very first steps to becoming a global K-pop group — he provided sharp examples and arguments to emphasize the “power of connection” that only art possesses, while calling for stronger support for creators.
“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 directly appealed.
He also concluded his speech by reiterating his message: “I’d 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.”
RM received widespread praise for his composure, boldness, and depth of thought in addressing core issues before hundreds of global economic leaders. Naturally, his call for support made a remarkable impact, prompting many to reconsider the importance of the creative sector.
However, while the media and fans enthusiastically celebrated RM’s speech, some refused to acknowledge this historic moment. Instead of showing respect, they nitpicked and accused him of “hypocrisy” in his message.
Haters claimed that RM’s speech was nothing more than self-praise about BTS’s achievements, arguing that it put other groups at a disadvantage. They disliked how he spoke as if BTS had “paved the way” for Asian artists, and resented his tone — as if he was “pleading” with business leaders while positioning himself as superior.
Worse still, some even brought up HYBE’s internal document controversy to undermine his credibility. Others resurfaced baseless accusations, calling RM a raging misogynist, narcissistic, racist, colorist, egocentric, sexist, pro-Nazi, zionist enabler, and more — issues that both RM and BTS had already clarified or apologized for long ago.
The recent controversy surrounding Love Your W by W Korea also became fuel for detractors to use in their attempts to overshadow him and his viral speech.
However, ARMYs found such behavior utterly ridiculous, as the majority recognized RM’s massive influence at APEC. Every sensible and intelligent observer applauded his words. There were at least 100 Korean media articles praising his speech and his bold, straightforward message when the event took place.
Meanwhile, The Times of India called it a “powerful speech” and praised: “The singer’s address was historical as it marked the first time that a K-pop artist spoke at the prestigious summit.”
The Straits Times and Reuters highlighted that RM “calls for ‘no borders, no limitations’ at the APEC CEO Summit”, while The Star (Malaysia) commended: “BTS’ RM calls on global leaders to support culture in APEC speech.”
Notably, HYBE shares rose 4.7% after RM’s speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, surpassing the 323,500-won mark — a clear testament to his impressive influence.
Fans couldn’t help but wonder — if the “hypocrisy” that haters claimed were true, would his speech have been received with such overwhelming positivity and global recognition?
After all, prejudice blinds you from seeing the good in others. Or perhaps it’s simply that haters’ narrow minds prevent them from understanding the deeper meaning of RM’s message. Either way, it doesn’t affect him — because in the end, he remains a wealthy, respected, and world-renowned K-pop superstar!
