RM schools APEC on power of culture
BTS member RM became the first K-pop performer to deliver a keynote at the APEC CEO Summit on Wednesday when he addressed approximately 1,700 business leaders and government officials in Gyeongju, South Korea. The rapper spoke about cultural industries as forces that connect communities across borders and described K-pop as a blend of Korean identity and global musical influences, such as hip-hop and electronic dance music. He compared the genre to bibimbap, a traditional dish that blends distinct ingredients into a unified creation.
The address preceded the group’s planned spring 2026 reunion, featuring a new album and a world tour of roughly 65 concerts. RM completed 18 months of required military duty before releasing his second solo album in May 2024. He encouraged APEC participants to provide financial backing and opportunities for creators globally, describing culture as a messenger of diversity that moves across languages.
