BTS officially returned as a full group in early July this year, after a two-year hiatus due to mandatory military service. At present, most of the members are focusing on their individual projects while gearing up for a full-group comeback with a new album scheduled for next spring.
Although the group has yet to make their official comeback as seven, their influence remains undeniably powerful—not only in music but also across multiple spheres, from economics and culture to social and political affairs—solidifying their position as the true kings of K-pop.
In recent months alone, the name BTS has repeatedly surfaced in both domestic and international political and cultural discussions. For instance, נαραи’s new Prime Minister recently revealed that she is a fan of the group. Meanwhile South кσяєα’s Ministry of National Defense has reportedly been considering revisions to the military exemption law, following debates over fairness and the significant economic loss during BTS’s two-year enlistment.
Most notably, on October 27, global fans were stunned by the announcement that BTS leader RM would be serving as a keynote speaker at the APEC CEO Summit on October 29. The event is a high-profile forum held alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit.
The APEC CEO Summit is a premier business forum where heads of state and top corporate leaders from 21 member economies convene to discuss innovative industries and emerging trends reshaping the global economic landscape. This year’s theme is “Beyond, Business, Bridge.”
Remarkably, RM will become the first K-pop artist in history to speak at such a globally significant economic and diplomatic event. Known for his fluency in English, he is expected to deliver his address in English before an au∂ιєnce of world business leaders.
His speech, titled “The Cultural Creative Industry in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture,” will take place on the second day of the Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center, lasting approximately ten minutes—from 3:05 to 3:15 p.m. The full content of the address has not yet been disclosed.
As the leader of BTS—the group that elevated K-pop’s global standing—RM is anticipated to share his personal experiences and insights on the significance of K-Culture in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening global influence.
This marks RM’s fifth appearance as a public speaker addressing global topics. In 2018, he delivered his iconic “Speak Yourself” speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), representing the youth of the world.
In 2020, during the UN’s online event amid the ¢σνι∂-19 pandemic, he was once again praised for delivering a message of hope and resilience.
In 2021, when BTS attended the 76th UNGA High-Level Meeting as Special Presidential Envoys appointed by then-President Moon Jae-in, RM spoke about the “Welcome Generation”—the belief that today’s youth are not ℓσѕт, but adapting and shaping the world’s future.
In 2022, RM represented BTS at the Wнιтe House press briefing, delivering remarks in English about combating discrimination and anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States.
Although he is neither a politician nor a government leader, RM—and BTS as a whole—continue to demonstrate influence on par with world figures across every key domain. Witnessing the responsibilities RM has taken on over the years, fans can’t help but feel proud and reaffirm that he truly deserves the title: “President”.
- As he should. He and the members gave a whole lot of revenue for the country. Greatly deserved #RM. I'm sure you'll be great!
- Congratulations RM. Im so proud of youuu. Our president!
- Gilsssss he’s already handsome, rich, smart, has a good attitude—he’s got everything! I want Namjoon
- RM will be the first K-pop singer to speak at the APEC CEO Summit! Our President Namjoon is coming
- HOLLY F*CKING SH1T KIM NAMJOON FOR THE PRESIDENT
- #RM is such an impressive person! It’s a deserved honour and recognition of his leadership
- Proud of him. they chose the best one he is culture, smart and kind
- i like the way he still open to give speeches in other fields
- I mean he is a LEADER, actually PRESIDENT, makes sense for him to speak at this CEO Summit
- WHOAAAAAH let's build our own nation with you as our president, Namjoon-ah
- and honestly who could've been if not the LEADER? Our great Namjoon
- Yall say thank you namjoon for paving the way. I'm so proud!!
