RM (birth name Kim Nam-joon) of the K-pop group BTS took the stage as a speaker at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held in Gyeongju. He said K-pop's secret to success lies in creating a new genre by maintaining a unique identity while embracing and accepting diverse cultures.
On Oct. 29 at Gyeongju Arts Center, RM attended the APEC CEO Summit and took the stage as the keynote speaker for a session on "Cultural industries in the region and K-culture soft power." When the global K-pop star stepped up to the lectern, cheers and applause erupted from the audience.
RM introduced K-pop as being like bibimbap. He said, "Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish made by mixing rice, vegetables, meat, and various seasonings," and added, "K-pop is created when Korea's own aesthetics and production system are mixed with hip-hop, R&B, and EDM (Electronic Dance Music), producing something fresh and enjoyable."
He argued that such diversity and inclusion became the driving force behind K-pop's success in the global entertainment market. RM said, "K-pop was born from a combination of several elements, including music, choreography, performance, visual elements, and storytelling," and emphasized, "By firmly upholding Korea's unique identity while respecting diversity and embracing global cultures, it was able to succeed."
He also said that ARMY, BTS's fandom, became a strong ally in gaining a foothold on the global stage. RM said, "For 10 years after advancing overseas, we kept singing in Korean and dancing in the streets, continuing our attempts to overcome borders and language barriers," and added, "ARMY gradually found inspiration in our music and began to participate in support, charitable activities, and social movements."
He emphasized, "ARMY, once regarded as merely supporters of a minority culture from Asia, is now shaking the world as a new community and fandom culture." He added, "The power of pure cultural solidarity, solidarity without boundaries, and tolerance has become an endless source of creative inspiration for me as well."
Meanwhile, at 9 a.m., RM arrived at Gyeongju Arts Center, the venue, and attended the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit. He drew attention by sitting in the front row among major corporate leaders, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo.
After the opening ceremony, RM visited HYBE's promotional booth with Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, who heads his agency, HYBE, and viewed the exhibits.