BTS leader RM (Rap Monster) is set to make history as the first K-pop idol to speak at the APEC CEO Summit, to be held in Korea this 2025.
According to a report by Soompi, RM is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on Wednesday, 29 October, during the second day of the high-profile international business forum.
In its official program, APEC described the 29-year-old artist as “a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast,” noting his unique influence that bridges music, culture, and art.
“RM is renowned for crafting profound lyrics often inspired by various art forms. His flexible and philosophical approach to music, and his ability to push creative boundaries through cutting-edge collaborations, have led him to work with a diverse range of artists,” APEC stated.
RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, was discharged from his mandatory military service in June 2025, along with fellow BTS member V.
With all seven members now completing their enlistment, BTS is gearing up for a new album release and a highly anticipated world tour in 2026, marking their full-scale return to the global stage.
Fans and industry observers alike see RM’s upcoming APEC appearance as another milestone — not just for BTS, but for K-pop’s growing recognition as a cultural and intellectual force on the world stage.