RM, the leader and rapper of global K-pop phenomenon BTS, made history on Wednesday by becoming the first K-pop artist ever to deliver a keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. Speaking at the prestigious gathering of international business leaders, the 31-year-old artist drew a compelling comparison between K-pop's global success and bibimbap, Korea's beloved mixed rice dish that harmoniously combines diverse ingredients into one unified creation.
Delivering his landmark speech at the Gyeongju Arts Center in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, RM addressed the topic of "the cultural and creative industries in the APEC region and the soft power of Korean culture." He emphasized that K-pop's remarkable power stems from its unique ability to transcend borders and forge connections between people through shared emotions and experiences.
"I'd like to compare K-pop music to bibimbap," RM explained to the assembled global business leaders. "You take rice, add vegetables, meat and seasonings, and mix it all up – that's the key part. K-pop is much the same. It takes Korea's unique aesthetics and emotions but doesn't turn away elements of Western music like hip-hop, R&B or EDM. These parts all keep their identities, but when mixed together, they create something new, fresh and delightful."
The BTS frontman further elaborated on K-pop's comprehensive approach to entertainment, describing it as "a 360-degree total package of music, dance, performance, storytelling, visuals and even social media." He stressed that the genre's unprecedented success didn't occur because one culture was superior to others, but rather because it embraced diversity while maintaining its distinctly Korean identity and core values.
Reflecting on BTS's challenging early days a decade ago, RM candidly shared the group's struggles to break into mainstream media in English-speaking markets, describing their efforts as an "experiment" that many viewed with skepticism. "We tried to get on TV to show the world our music, but the doors were closed," he recalled. "When we said we were artists from Korea, people asked, 'Are you from North or South Korea?' or even, 'Where on earth is Korea?'"
RM credited BTS's devoted fanbase, known globally as ARMY, with being the driving force that ultimately shattered these cultural and linguistic barriers. "The force that broke down the walls was ARMY," he stated with evident gratitude. "They used our music as a medium for conversations that cross borders. They gave me a voice that was heard at the Billboard Music Awards, the Grammys, the United Nations, the White House – and now, here at APEC."
The artist described the ARMY fandom as "a new community shaped by the pure power of cultural solidarity and tolerance," noting that this global network of fans continues to serve as his primary source of inspiration. He emphasized the organic nature of cultural exchange, stating, "Culture is like a river. It flows freely, sometimes coming together in harmony to create something new. I hope this creative flow of culture continues everywhere around the world."
Addressing the international business leaders in attendance at this year's APEC CEO Summit – the largest private-sector forum associated with the 21-member APEC bloc – RM made a passionate appeal for increased support of creative communities worldwide. The three-day summit, which opened on Tuesday under the theme "Beyond, Business, Bridge," provided RM with a platform to advocate for the arts and cultural industries.
"Please help them – give them the financial means to let their creativity bloom," RM urged the business executives. "Culture and the arts are a powerful force that moves hearts – they are the fastest messengers that carry diversity." His speech highlighted the significant economic and diplomatic potential of cultural industries, positioning them as vital bridges for international understanding and cooperation in the modern global economy.
