APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 was truly one for the books as it was a year of firsts for the summit and speakers alike. This year's installment of the event marked the first year where culture and creative industries have weighed in — being considered as a key agenda item at APEC.
On the other hand, BTS' RM took the stage as a keynote speaker this year, marking him as the first-ever K-pop artist to appear as a keynote speaker. His speech touched on the changemaking ablilities and endless possibilities that the creative industry provides. He also emphasises how culture creates a domino effect — spreading diversity and acceptance worldwide.
His speech was full of meaningful anecdotes and rhetorical questions that impacted and resonated with the audience directly — making his address powerful. He draws on his own first-hand experiences and uses the remarkable influence of K-culture and K-pop on the rest of the globe. He points out that culture defies the confines of borders, inspiring millions of people all over the world while simultaneously bringing them together under the umbrella of a shared love and interest in K-culture.
In his speech, he solidifies this point as he shares, "ARMY was the force that broke down those barriers. They use our music as the medium to carry out conversations that cross borders and languages. They were inspired by the message in the music of BTS to give to charity, to run social campaigns. And finally, the world was amazed. Back then, ARMY was seen as "supporters of a minority culture from Asia". Now, they shake the world as a new community and a fandom culture."
“Back then, ARMY was seen as supporters of a minority culture from Asia.
— Sari Setiogi Griberg (@setiogi) October 29, 2025
Now, they shake the 🗺️ as a new community & fandom culture… They’re crossing borders & breaking down barriers thru the pure power of cultural solidarity & tolerance that know no border.”
-@BTS_twt Namjoon pic.twitter.com/wTqBkkMh4l
He concludes his powerful speech stating his hope for the future of creatives, urging global leaders and people in power to prioritise culture and creativity as much as economics.
In his words, "There are creators all around the world. Please help them. Give them the financial support so that their own creativity can bloom. Give them the opportunities so that their talents can really shine. When you think about investing in tomorrow’s generations, think about culture as well as economics. Culture and art are a powerful force that moves hearts. They are the fastest messengers that carry diversity and resonance."
He finally highlights that when artists are empowered, they can inspire understanding and solidarity across differences. He ends by pledging his role as an artist to use his music to spread hope, courage, and connection in the shared vision of a more inclusive future.
“I, too, stand by the vision of @APEC - a vision that will drive diversity, inclusion & growth through culture & creativity…
— Sari Setiogi Griberg (@setiogi) October 29, 2025
I promise, I’ll do my part by sending a message of courage, hope & a lot of emotions through music.“
-@BTS_twt Namjoon at #APECCEOSummit2025#BTS #RM pic.twitter.com/vbfWdYn7Jw
As RM’s historic keynote came to a close, his words resonated beyond the walls of the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025. His heartfelt call to champion creativity reinforced a new global understanding — that culture is not secondary to progress, but the key to it.
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