BTS Leader RM Selected As Keynote Speaker For APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025

BTS leader RM is set to deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025, becoming the first K-pop artist to speak at the prestigious international event.

According to the official program, RM will take the stage on October 29, the second day of the summit. His speech will focus on the theme “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-culture.”

The APEC CEO Summit is one of the most prominent business forums held alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings. Leaders from major corporations, policymakers, and innovators gather at the event to discuss economic trends, global cooperation, and emerging industries across the Asia-Pacific region.

RM’s participation marks a historic milestone, as he will be the first K-pop artist invited to deliver a keynote address at the summit.

In introducing him as a speaker, APEC highlighted RM’s reputation as a creative force in global music. The organization described him as an artist known for crafting thoughtful lyrics inspired by art and culture, as well as someone who continuously pushes creative boundaries through collaborations and musical experimentation.

RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, debuted as the leader of BTS in 2013 and has become widely recognized not only for his music but also for his intellectual and cultural interests. Over the years, he has been known for incorporating themes related to philosophy, literature, and art into his songwriting, which has contributed to BTS’s reputation for meaningful and socially conscious music.

Beyond music, RM has participated in several global initiatives and public forums. BTS previously addressed the United Nations on multiple occasions, advocating for youth empowerment and self-expression. His upcoming appearance at the APEC CEO Summit continues that trajectory, placing him among business leaders and policymakers discussing cultural industries and international cooperation.

The summit itself will be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, and is expected to bring together leaders from companies and organizations across the 21 APEC member economies. Discussions at the forum typically focus on innovation, economic development, and the role of emerging industries in shaping the future of the global economy.

RM’s keynote is expected to highlight the global impact of Korean culture, particularly the role of music and creative industries in connecting audiences across borders.

His participation reflects the growing influence of K-pop and Korean cultural exports on the international stage, as well as the recognition of artists as voices in broader discussions about culture, creativity, and global collaboration.