RM (real name Kim Nam-joon, 31), leader of the group BTS, asked heads of state and business leaders around the world to provide financial support so that the creativity of creators worldwide can blossom.
On the 29th, RM delivered a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit, a side event of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, held at Hwarang Hall of the Gyeongju Arts Center, on the theme of "Cultural creative industries in the APEC region and the soft power of K-culture."
The APEC CEO Summit is a business forum where leaders and business figures from 21 member economies gather to discuss innovative industries and new trends. Attendees included President Lee Jae-myung; Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong; GS Chairman Huh Tae-soo; LG Chairman Koo Kwang-mo; SK Chairman Chey Tae-won; Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Eui-sun; Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin; and Shinsegae Chairman Chung Yong-jin. RM is the first K-pop singer to take the stage at this event.
That day, RM explained K-pop's secret to success with a "bibimbap" analogy. He said, "Like bibimbap, where you mix various vegetables, meat, and seasonings on top of rice, K-pop is grounded in Korea's unique aesthetic, sentiment, and production system, yet it does not turn away from elements of Western music such as hip-hop, R&B, and EDM," adding, "It is about each element maintaining its distinct character while mixing together to create something new, fresh, and enjoyable."
He went on to say, "K-pop's success did not come from the superiority of any one culture. It is the result of respecting diversity, embracing the world's cultures, and still preserving a Korean identity," and emphasized, "K-pop's dazzling success proves that cultural diversity and creativity are humanity's greatest potential. There are no borders, and there is no limit to growth."
RM called for active investment in the cultural industry. He said, "We all love culture and art. And we are connected through the emotions and resonance they awaken within us," and continued, "As a creator and artist of this era, I would like to ask the leaders of APEC and distinguished guests here. There are countless creators around the world. Please help. Please provide them with financial support. Give them freedom and opportunities to exercise their creativity so their talents can shine."
RM emphasized, "When investing in the next generation, please invest not only in the economy but also in culture. Culture and art are powerful forces that move hearts," adding, "When creativity is exercised, different elements of culture come together to form an entirely new aesthetics. Their content will transcend all differences and light the path to true understanding and tolerance."
Meanwhile, HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk also attended the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit with RM that day. Bang is under police investigation on suspicion of misleading existing HYBE investors, such as venture capital, in 2019 before HYBE's listing by saying there were no plans for an initial public offering (IPO), then arranging for a special purpose company (SPC) established by a private equity fund connected to him to purchase equity.