BTS RM Makes History at APEC Summit: Why He Compared K-Pop to Bibimbap

BTS leader delivers groundbreaking speech on cultural diversity to global economic leaders in South Korea

GYEONGJU, South Korea - RM, the 31-year-old leader of global K-pop sensation BTS, became the first artist from the genre to address world leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit on October 29, 2025.

Speaking in English before approximately 500 CEOs and policymakers from 21 member economies at the Gyeongju Arts Center, RM used his 10-minute keynote to make an urgent case: invest in culture the way you invest in economics.

Breaking Through Barriers

The rapper, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, opened with a stark reminder of how far K-pop has come. A decade ago, when BTS first performed overseas, they faced questions that had nothing to do with their music.

"When we said we were from Korea, people would ask, 'North or South?'" RM recalled. The group couldn't get airtime on mainstream radio. They danced in the streets and handed out flyers themselves just to build an audience.

What changed everything wasn't major label backing or traditional media gatekeepers. It was their fans.

The Power of ARMY

RM credited BTS's global fandom-known as ARMY-with dismantling the cultural barriers that kept Korean-language music off Western airwaves. These fans didn't just stream songs; they organized charity drives and social campaigns inspired by BTS's messages, transforming what critics dismissed as an "Asian subculture" into a worldwide phenomenon.

"ARMY used our music as the medium to carry out conversations that cross borders and languages," RM said. "Even at this very moment, they're crossing borders and breaking down barriers through the pure power of cultural solidarity."

The Bibimbap Metaphor

In the speech's most memorable moment, RM compared K-pop to bibimbap, the traditional Korean rice dish where vegetables, meat, and seasonings are mixed together.

"Just like bibimbap, K-pop blends Western musical elements like hip-hop, R&B, and EDM with Korea's unique aesthetics and emotions," he explained. "Each ingredient keeps its identity while creating something entirely new."

He emphasized that K-pop isn't just music-it's a complete package combining dance, visual style, storytelling, music videos, and social media strategy. And its success stems not from cultural superiority but from respecting diversity while maintaining Korean identity.

A Direct Challenge to World Leaders

RM didn't just reflect on the past. He challenged the assembled leaders to act.

"There are creators all around the world. Please help them," he urged. "Give them the financial support so that their own creativity can bloom. Give them the opportunities so that their talents can really shine."

He described culture as flowing "like a river," with different strains sometimes coming together in harmony. "Cultural diversity and creativity are the greatest human potential-a force with no borders, no limit to growth."

The appeal wasn't merely symbolic. RM positioned cultural investment as strategically essential: "Culture and art are a powerful force that moves hearts. They are the fastest messengers that carry diversity and resonance."

Historic Recognition

This year marked the first time "cultural industries" were elevated to a core APEC agenda item-a development RM called a source of "deep pride and anticipation."

HYBE, BTS's parent company, participated as a diamond sponsor, the summit's highest tier, and was the only entertainment company among official sponsors. The company showcased its global reach spanning the U.S., Japan, China, Latin America, and India.

From Military Service to Global Stages

RM completed 18 months of mandatory South Korean military service in June 2025, serving as a saxophonist in the military band. His APEC appearance adds to a growing list of high-profile addresses, including speeches at the UN General Assembly and a visit to the White House.

The three-day summit, running through October 31 under the theme "Bridge, Business, Beyond," drew leaders from 16 APEC economies and approximately 1,700 global CEOs.

In his closing remarks, RM made a promise: "I will play my heart out in the playground you will build for us. I'll do my part by sending a message of courage, hope, and embracing our differences to make something better together."

Within hours, #HistoryMakerRM was trending worldwide as fans celebrated the milestone recognition of K-pop's economic and cultural influence.

The APEC CEO Summit runs parallel to the annual APEC Leaders' Summit, bringing together government and business leaders to discuss innovation and emerging economic trends.