Image credit: Yonhap News
BTS Leader Delivers Landmark Keynote on K-Culture’s Global Influence
BTS leader RM captivated global business leaders at the APEC CEO Summit on October 29 (KST) at the Gyeongju Arts Center, drawing an unexpected but apt comparison between K-pop and bibimbap. “Different elements maintain their unique identities while coming together to create something new,” RM said, illustrating how K-pop balances Korean tradition with global influences.
K-pop as a “360-Degree Total Package”
Speaking in English on the theme of “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture,” RM highlighted how K-pop fuses Western genres like hip-hop, R&B, and EDM with Korean aesthetics, emotion, and production systems.
“K-pop’s success doesn’t come from the superiority of a particular culture. It comes from preserving Korea’s unique identity while respecting diversity and embracing cultures from around the world,” RM explained. He described K-pop as a 360-degree total package, encompassing music, dance, visuals, performance, music videos, storytelling, and social media.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Global Communities
RM reflected on BTS’s journey to international recognition:
“Over a decade ago, when BTS first entered international markets, we could not have imagined this level of recognition. Our music was categorized as ‘non-English’ and gaining access to mainstream platforms felt like a test of whether Korean music could succeed globally.”
He also shared early experiences of being labeled simply as “Korean artists,” often fielding questions like, “Are you from North Korea or South Korea?” or “Where is Korea?” — illustrating the cultural barriers they overcame.
RM credited BTS’s fandom, ARMY, with breaking these barriers:
“ARMY used our music as a medium to communicate across borders and languages. What began as a minority Asian culture movement became a global community and a fresh influence on international culture.”
He praised ARMY’s borderless inclusivity and global solidarity, noting that their support continues to inspire creativity and foster positive impact worldwide.
Advocating for Cultural Support and Creative Growth
RM concluded his speech with a call to action for global business leaders:
“Please provide economic support so creators worldwide can realize their creativity. Create opportunities for talent to flourish. Culture and arts are the strongest drivers of emotion and the fastest way to convey diversity and inclusivity.”
Earlier in the day, RM attended the APEC CEO Summit opening ceremony with Bang Si-hyuk, Chairman of HYBE, and visited the HYBE promotional booth at the venue. His participation marks a historic moment, as RM is the first K-pop artist to speak at the APEC CEO Summit, bridging cultural influence and international business dialogue.
