RM’s Global Speech: Highlights from the 2025 APEC CEO Summit

RM of BTS to deliver a keynote at APEC CEO Summit 2025.
The first K-pop artist to join global leaders on stage.
He will highlight K-culture’s creative and economic power.

As the leader of one of the most influential music groups in the world, Kim Namjoon, known as RM, has made history once again. He will deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025. His appearance at Asia-Pacific’s largest business forum marks the first time a K-pop singer has ever been featured as a keynote speaker at this high-profile event.

RM is scheduled to speak for about ten minutes in a session titled “The Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.” According to the official agenda, his session will take place from 3:05 to 3:15 p.m. local time. APEC introduces him as “a lover of art and creative force known for writing deeply inspired lyrics and pushing the boundaries of creativity through innovative collaborations.”

Art, Diplomacy, and the Power of K-Culture

In recent years, RM has evolved beyond being known merely as a rapper and producer, becoming a polished and articulate speaker in international forums. He has addressed the United Nations General Assembly three times (2018, 2020, and 2021), representing the voice of the younger generation and highlighting the positive impact of music in driving social change.

At the 2025 APEC CEO Summit, RM is expected to once again use a global platform to discuss how creative and cultural industries contribute to the Asia-Pacific economy while showcasing K-culture’s success story.

The APEC CEO Summit is a gathering where heads of state and global business leaders discuss innovation and future economic trends. This year’s theme, “Beyond, Business, Bridge,” emphasizes the importance of cross-border collaboration. According to The Straits Times, the two-day forum includes 20 sessions and 85 keynote speakers. Topics range from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to finance, cultural industries, digital currencies, energy transition, and supply chain resilience.

More than 1,700 global business leaders are expected to attend the summit in Gyeongju from October 28 to 31, according to Precedence Research.

Big names from the tech and finance sectors will also take the stage: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman, Google Asia-Pacific CMO Simon Kahn, Citi CEO Jane Fraser, Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. Their inclusion underscores the prestige of the APEC CEO Summit as a platform where world leaders and industry pioneers share their vision for innovation and growth. RM will speak among these global figures, placing K-pop and creative industries on par with AI and finance sectors.

HYBE, the parent company of BTS’s agency Big Hit Music, will also play a major role. It is the only entertainment company participating as an official Diamond-level sponsor, the highest sponsorship tier. HYBE will operate a promotional booth at the Gyeongju Arts Center to showcase its global business network across the United States, Japan, China, Latin America, and India, featuring achievements from its multi-label artists and even the iconic K-pop light sticks. This participation reinforces that the Korean entertainment industry has become a legitimate global business force.

News of RM’s keynote quickly spread across social media, with fan accounts such as BTS Charts Daily, Viral Buzz, and eternalhyhh sharing the official APEC poster showing RM listed alongside world leaders like Jensen Huang and Jane Fraser. Fans’ reactions were filled with pride and emotion.

“Namjoon will make history as the first K-pop singer to speak at the APEC CEO Summit.”

“From global stages to global forums, RM continues to show what leadership truly means.”

“BTS is bigger than music.”

Many expressed their excitement in all caps, shouting phrases like “SO PROUD OF YOU NAMJOON” and “NAMJOON PAVED THE WAY,” signaling that fans see this as another milestone opening doors for other Korean artists.

“LOOK AT HIM!! Namjoon will make history as the first K-pop singer to speak at the APEC CEO Summit!”

“From global stages to global summits, RM continues to redefine what leadership looks like. The perfect voice to represent K-culture’s power and purpose on a world platform.”

“Well deserved! He’s a true leader and one of the most representative voices of his country in terms of music, art, and creativity.”

“I’m so goddamn proud OMG KIM NAMJOOOOOON the man you areeee!”

“This is what I mean when I say BTS is bigger than music.”

“Wow, he’s representing Big Hit Music 😭😭😭😭😭.”

“Our brilliant Joonie evolving his leader, diplomat, introspective nerd, and patriotic history buff persona. So proud of him, always.”

Many fans emphasized RM’s transformation from musician to cultural diplomat. They described him as a visionary leader who combines his passion for art, history, and philosophy in his work. Others recalled how he constantly encourages fans to visit museums and explore art exhibitions. Posts featuring photos of RM saluting amid green scenery went viral, with fans saying his upcoming speech is an opportunity to educate world leaders about the value of art and creativity.

These responses reveal that fans are not only celebrating his personal success but also hoping his speech will inspire greater appreciation for culture and creativity among global business elites. In past interviews, RM has emphasized that BTS’s music stems from life stories, art, and philosophy. Known for collecting both classic and contemporary artworks, he often writes lyrics that reflect deep self-awareness and social insight.

Many observers are optimistic that his APEC speech will go beyond K-pop’s popularity, positioning the creative industry as a vital economic driver and diplomatic bridge. APEC’s official website even describes him as “an art enthusiast who writes deeply inspired lyrics and expands creative boundaries through a flexible and collaborative approach,” a statement that highlights the philosophical depth behind his artistry.

Beyond Entertainment

The 2025 APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju is more than just a business event. The inclusion of cultural sessions alongside major industry discussions shows that soft power, especially pop culture, can play a key role in economic diplomacy. RM’s presence as a representative of the creative sector underscores how artistic success can contribute to narratives of economic growth and cross-border cooperation.

HYBE’s participation as an official sponsor further demonstrates the seriousness with which Korea’s entertainment industry is approaching global business partnerships.

RM’s speech is scheduled for the second day of the summit, between sessions tackling heavy topics such as artificial intelligence and geopolitics. According to Precedence Research, thousands of business leaders will discuss solutions to global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, digital transformation, supply chain security, and the future of digital currencies.

RM’s inclusion in these discussions is not merely symbolic; it reflects a shift in perspective that innovation does not only come from high-tech industries but also from cultural and artistic creativity. With his calm voice and fluent English, already showcased at the UN, many look forward to how RM will articulate the message of K-culture’s soft power and the economic potential of creativity.

After the event, RM’s address is expected to become a widely discussed moment across both media and fan communities. Having inspired millions through music, he now has the chance to inspire world leaders to see the strategic value of art and culture.

In the words of fans, “BTS is bigger than music,” and RM’s speech at the 2025 APEC CEO Summit might just prove that sentiment to be true.

Source: Ize&Ize, The Korea Times, Star Today, TV Daily