RM of BTS once again proved that he’s not just the leader of one of the biggest boy bands on the planet — he’s also a global voice for culture and creativity. The K-pop superstar took center stage at the 2025 APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on Wednesday, where he delivered a powerful keynote speech calling for greater financial support for the arts and celebrating diversity as K-pop’s secret ingredient to worldwide success.

“K-pop is not just a genre of music. It is a 360-degree, total package of music, dance, performance, visual style, storytelling, music video and even social media,” RM declared in English at the Gyeongju Arts Center, effortlessly blending his trademark eloquence with quiet confidence.

He went on to explain that “K-pop’s success came from respecting diversity and embracing world cultures but still holding onto Korea’s unique identity.”

RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, made headlines with his clever metaphor comparing K-pop to bibimbap, a beloved Korean dish known for its colorful mix of ingredients. “We take Korea’s unique aesthetics, notions and production system, but we don’t turn away elements of Western music like hip-hop, R&B or EDM,” he said. “Just like bibimbap, these parts all keep their unique identities but mix together to make something new and fresh and delightful.”

Ever the thoughtful leader, RM also reminded the world’s political and business elites that culture deserves as much investment as technology and industry. “Culture is like a river. It flows freely, different strains sometimes coming together in harmony just like K-pop,” he said, before driving home his message: “When you think about investing in tomorrow's generations, think about culture as well as economics. Culture and art are a powerful force that moves hearts. They are the fastest messengers that carry diversity and resonance. As the leaders of APEC, your policies and support will be the canvas and playground for all creators.”

His presentation, titled “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-culture,” was part of the summit’s cultural session — and marked a history-making moment. RM became the first K-pop artist ever to speak at the APEC CEO Summit, a testament to BTS’s global impact and the undeniable rise of Korean culture on the world stage.

The APEC CEO Summit, held alongside the annual APEC Leaders’ Meeting, gathers top executives and policymakers from 21 member economies to discuss the future of business, innovation, and global collaboration.

This year’s summit, themed “Bridge, Business, Beyond,” runs through Friday with about 1,700 global CEOs and leaders from 16 economies in attendance. Adding a touch of pop culture to the high-level event, BTS’s parent company HYBE also made its presence known — it’s the only entertainment company among the official sponsors and even snagged the top-tier “diamond sponsor” spot.

BTS is set to have a powerful comeback next year and RM also mentioned ARMY nad his members, “I'm a very lucky person. I'm lucky to have met the other 6 members of BTS. But most importantly, I met ARMY, who accept our music not just as a diversion, but as our shared language of life."