The lineup of stars at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit is dazzling. Group BTS member RM, G-Dragon, and enlisted soldier Cha Eun-woo were spotted.
On the second day of the APEC CEO Summit 2025 held at Gyeongju Arts Center on the 29th, a culture session took place. The keynote speaker on that day was BTS member RM. It was the first time a K-pop artist has spoken at the APEC CEO Summit, underscoring the stature of Korean popular culture.
RM delivered an approximately 10-minute speech on the theme "Cultural creative industries in the APEC region and the soft power of K-culture (from a creator's perspective)." He said he wanted to talk about how K-culture has moved people's hearts across borders and noted, "Today, as cultural industries are addressed as a core agenda of APEC, I feel proud as one of the creators."
He defined K-pop as "a 360-degree packaged content in which music, dance, visuals and storytelling converge," and likened K-culture to "bibimbap," saying that new value is created when different elements come together. He mentioned the influence of the fandom ARMY and urged, "Please provide a stage where creators around the world can freely showcase their talents. Culture is the most powerful medium that connects diversity and inclusion," delivering a message to APEC leaders.
On the 31st, G-DRAGON will be the only K-pop artist to perform at the APEC leaders' welcoming banquet at the Lahan Hotel Gyeongju grand ballroom. G-DRAGON is expected to raise awareness of APEC's values with an innovative performance and further elevate the standing of South Korean culture.
G-DRAGON has been actively working as an APEC summit ambassador since July. He also made a strong impression in promotional videos alongside President Lee Jae-myung, soccer player Park Ji-sung, director Park Chan-wook and IVE member Jang Won-young. He took part in filming while traveling between South Korea and overseas during his tour, showing the responsibility befitting a global icon.
The APEC planning and preparation team said, "G-DRAGON is a figure with global influence and is the optimal person to widely convey the APEC values of 'connection and sustainability,'" adding, "We expect him to deliver an overwhelming performance at the banquet."
A surprise appearance by Cha Eun-woo added to the buzz. On the 30th, eyewitness accounts titled "Cha Eun-woo spotted at the APEC site" were posted one after another on online communities. Cha Eun-woo is reportedly a corporal assigned to the Ministry of National Defense support unit and was dispatched to Gyeongju to assist with APEC summit events.
In released video, Cha Eun-woo drew attention as he entered the venue in military uniform. His commanding posture, upright stride and unchanged sculpted visuals immediately captured the scene's attention. On-site officials expressed admiration, saying, "Even from afar, his small face and proportions stood out."
Cha Eun-woo, who enlisted in the army band in July, was recognized for his diligent attitude, having been selected as company commander trainee during basic training, and is currently serving with the Ministry of National Defense support unit.
[Photo] OSEN DB, video capture
[OSEN]