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BTS’s RM Urges Investment in Culture in First K-Pop Keynote at APEC CEO Summit

He framed K-pop’s hybrid model as a driver of soft power, coinciding with APEC’s first formal spotlight on cultural industries.

Overview

  • Speaking in Gyeongju on Oct. 29, RM delivered a keynote at the APEC CEO Summit, the first time a K-pop artist has addressed the forum.
  • He called on political and business leaders to expand funding and policy support for creators, arguing culture is a powerful economic catalyst.
  • RM characterized K-pop as a “360-degree” package and compared its mix of Korean identity with global genres to the Korean dish bibimbap.
  • He credited BTS’s ARMY with breaking down barriers and amplifying the group on global stages including the Grammys, the UN and the White House.
  • HYBE participated as a diamond sponsor with a promotional booth at the venue, as reports say BTS are preparing a 2026 album and world tour after completing military service.