BTS leader RM makes history as first K-Pop idol to address APEC CEO Summit: 'Music is a bridge that connects worlds'

BTS leader Kim Namjoon, widely known as RM, has accomplished yet another milestone by becoming the first K-pop artist ever to address the APEC CEO Summit. The annual global business conference gathers world leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from the Asia-Pacific region, making RM's inclusion a symbolic and cultural breakthrough for South Korea and the global music industry. RM is known for his thought-provoking words and his incredible speeches and lyrics. This speech had the same effect on people.

RM speaks about the power of art

RM delivered a moving and introspective speech about the power of art and connection in front of a room full of policymakers and CEOs. He spoke about music being a universal bridge, no matter the language. He said, "It's not something we can really calculate or measure. It's a bridge that connects worlds." His words captured the essence of what BTS represents: unity across languages, cultures, and generations.

RM's gratitude towards his fans

Throughout his address, RM's gratefulness toward the BTS fandom, ARMY, was clear and heartfelt. "Army's support and passion crossed all borders and opened up a brand new path for me," he said. "They gave me a voice that was heard at the Billboard Music Awards, at the Grammys, at the United Nations, and even at the White House, at such historic and symbolic events, like right here at the APEC."

RM talks about the early days with BTS

He took a moment to reminisce on BTS' early years and the challenges they faced when trying to make their mark outside South Korea. "When we said we are artists from Korea, they did not ask us about our music," RM said. "They asked, 'Are you from North Korea or South Korea? Where on Earth is Korea?' So we had to explain where Korea was before we could even talk about our music, and that was the reality." RM's speech was applauded at the conference with a standing ovation, a testament to how far both he and BTS have come since their humble beginnings. His words not only praised ARMYs around the world but also emphasized how cultural exchanges like K-pop can promote empathy on the world stage.

Fans' reaction to RM's speech

ARMYs were extremely proud to see RM speak at another major stage. One fan posted, "RM's speech was great. He spoke well, look at my baby, he sounds like a president. RM, I'm proud of you, your speech was perfect. RM, you're a very intelligent man. We love you, RM"

RM's speech was great ? He spoke well, look at my baby, he sounds like a president ? RM, I'm proud of you, your speech was perfect ?? RM, you're a very intelligent man ?We love you, RM ??#RM #BTS pic.twitter.com/h8c9pPuHF4

— maleka (@maleka107363) October 30, 2025

Another fan posted, "Here is Kim Namjoon's full speech at APEC CEO Summit. Your 6 members & ARMY are so fucking proud! You proved it to them all love. HISTORY MAKER RM APEC KEYNOTE SPEAKER RM KOREA CULTURAL BRIDGE RM"

Here is Kim Namjoon's full speech at APEC CEO Summit. Your 6 members & ARMY are so fucking proud! You proved it to them all love. ?

HISTORY MAKER RM
APEC KEYNOTE SPEAKER RM
KOREA CULTURAL BRIDGE RM#HistoryMakerRM #RMxAPEC #APEC2025 #APECCEOSummitxRM @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/OzMGXARUap

— FrannLovesBTS ? ??? ???? (@Frances39411513) October 29, 2025

An ARMY posted on X, ""What a breath of fresh air." said the announcer. That was an amazing speech, Namjoon. 90% love letter to ARMY and the rest is about kpop, culture and art. I'm so fucking proud of him."

"What a breath of fresh air." said the announcer.

That was an amazing speech, Namjoon.

90% love letter to ARMY and the rest is about kpop, culture and art.

I'm so fucking proud of him. #RM at #APEC2025 pic.twitter.com/Px9b52GoD7

— Strong Power, Thank You! (@KakePop7) October 29, 2025

People are bringing up all the events at which RM has given a speech. One netizen posted, "RM delivering speeches at Major Global and National Events:"

RM delivering speeches at Major Global and National Events: pic.twitter.com/WnfrD1Fb6x

— Pop Core (@TheePopCore) October 29, 2025

RM won people's hearts with his beautiful and thoughts once again.