RM, the leader of BTS, is set to break new ground as the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit.
Scheduled for October 29, 2025, RM will speak on the second day of the summit, presenting on the topic:
“Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-culture.”
This milestone underscores the growing influence of K-pop and Korean culture in global business and creative industries.
APEC introduced RM as a creative powerhouse and art enthusiast, noting his ability to craft profound lyrics inspired by diverse art forms.
His approach to music—philosophical, flexible, and boundary-pushing—has led him to collaborate with a wide range of artists internationally.
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RM’s presence at the summit highlights the significance of cultural innovation and the global reach of K-pop as a tool of soft power.
RM’s Influence Beyond Music
RM’s participation at the APEC CEO Summit reflects the intersection of art, culture, and business.
Through BTS, he has consistently demonstrated how creative industries can influence social trends, cultural diplomacy, and even economic impact.
His keynote is expected to explore how K-culture contributes to regional cooperation, international branding, and the growth of creative sectors across APEC member economies.
As the first K-pop representative to speak at this prestigious summit, RM is positioned as both an artistic and cultural ambassador.
His insights are anticipated to inspire leaders from multiple industries, bridging entertainment, business, and global policy discussions.
HYBE’s Role and Support
HYBE, BTS’s management company, is participating as an official sponsor of the APEC CEO Summit, making it the only entertainment company involved in the event.
This sponsorship aligns with RM’s keynote, emphasizing HYBE’s commitment to promoting Korean culture and creative industries on a global stage.
The collaboration between RM and HYBE at this summit symbolizes the fusion of cultural influence with business strategy, further elevating the global profile of K-pop.
Anticipation and Global Impact
RM’s keynote speech is generating significant anticipation among industry leaders, K-pop fans, and cultural commentators alike.
Observers expect him to discuss not only BTS’s journey and cultural impact but also broader insights into how the creative sector contributes to economic growth, soft power, and global collaboration.
The inclusion of a K-pop artist in such a high-profile business forum marks a paradigm shift in how creative professionals are recognized in international leadership and policy spaces.
RM’s presence highlights the increasing acknowledgment of cultural industries as vital contributors to innovation, diplomacy, and global influence.
Looking Ahead
As RM prepares to take the stage at the APEC CEO Summit, fans and global audiences are eager to witness this historic moment.
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His participation symbolizes K-pop’s global evolution, showcasing how artists can transcend entertainment to become influential voices in culture, business, and leadership.
For those waiting to see RM in action, fans can revisit BTS’s film “BREAK THE SILENCE: THE MOVIE” to experience his leadership and artistry firsthand, while looking forward to his thought-provoking keynote at one of the world’s premier business gatherings.
RM’s keynote not only cements his position as a cultural icon but also demonstrates how K-pop continues to shape global conversations on creativity, culture, and innovation.
