October 28, 2025 | 03:06 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The leader of the K-pop supergroup BTS, Kim Namjoon, known by his stage name RM, will deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit 2025, a prestigious event held alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. RM is set to make history as the first K-pop artist to be invited to address the forum.
As reported by K-en News, on October 29, 2025, RM is scheduled to deliver a 10-minute keynote speech at the meeting, which will be attended by industry leaders, government officials, and world figures. The APEC CEO Summit is known as a platform for industry leaders to discuss issues of growth, innovation, and cross-border cooperation.
This move is considered a symbol of recognition of South Korea's soft power, which now transcends the entertainment industry. "RM's participation represents a landmark moment for K-pop's expanding role in global discourse," wrote K-en in their report.
Why was BTS RM invited to APEC CEO Summit?
BTS RM is not only known as a musician, but also a figure with social concern and high reflective thinking. On several occasions, he has spoken about creativity, identity, and the responsibility of the younger generation. In 2018, he also delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly representing his group, BTS, advocating the message of 'Love Myself' with UNICEF.
The official APEC website describes the BTS leader as "a creative force" who crafts deeply introspective lyrics inspired by various art forms, adding that his "flexible and philosophical musical approach expands the boundaries of creativity."
According to The Korea Post, RM's presence at the APEC CEO forum reflects "the increasingly recognized cultural influence in the global world." The report also highlighted how the presence of a public figure from the entertainment industry, like BTS RM, can attract the attention of the younger generation to economic issues and international diplomacy.
This is considered in line with the South Korean government's strategy to expand cultural influence, known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu, as a tool of global diplomacy. RM's presence also emphasizes a paradigm shift: Diplomacy is no longer solely in the hands of politicians and economists, but also in the hands of artists who have global influence.
IKFINA RAHMAH AULA
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