[FULL] BTS’ RM delivers keynote speech at Apec CEO Summit

Summary

In a heartfelt speech, a BTS member reflects on the global impact of K-pop and its role in breaking down cultural barriers. Highlighting the power of music to unite diverse communities, the speaker shares their personal journey and the rise of BTS with the support of ARMY, their worldwide fandom. They emphasize the importance of investing in creativity and culture to foster solidarity, tolerance, and innovation. The speaker calls on APAC leaders to support global creators, enabling them to flourish and create a future where culture transcends borders.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses gratitude and honor for being at the APAC event in Korea, emphasizing the significance of cultural industries being recognized as a key agenda for the first time.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the global impact of K-pop, stating that cultural industries, particularly K-pop, have immense economic value and growth potential.
• 😀 The speaker identifies themselves as an artist, not a business leader, and focuses on the power of K-pop as a medium to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that the music of BTS is a bridge connecting people from different cultures, and K-pop is not easily measurable but instead brings people together on an emotional level.
• 😀 The speaker shares their personal story of overcoming cultural barriers when BTS first tried to enter the global stage, including misconceptions about Korea and struggling to gain recognition in English-speaking countries.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges the power of the BTS fandom, 'Army,' which has played a crucial role in breaking cultural barriers and supporting BTS's global reach.
• 😀 The speaker describes K-pop as a fusion of Korean culture and Western music styles, blending traditional elements like Korean aesthetics with global genres like hip-hop, R&B, and EDM.
• 😀 The speaker explains that K-pop is a comprehensive cultural package, including not just music, but also dance, visuals, storytelling, music videos, and social media.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of respecting and embracing cultural diversity, and how K-pop's success is a testament to this inclusivity, while still retaining Korea's unique identity.
• 😀 The speaker calls on APAC leaders to support creators and artists globally by providing financial support and opportunities for creativity to flourish, highlighting culture as an essential element for economic growth and social change.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speech?

The main theme of the speech revolves around the power of cultural creativity, especially through K-pop, and its ability to cross borders, unite people, and foster inclusion and understanding. The speaker highlights the role of creators and the need for financial and policy support to help them flourish globally.

How does the speaker describe the impact of K-pop on global culture?

The speaker emphasizes that K-pop, as a genre, transcends cultural barriers by blending traditional Korean elements with global influences like hip-hop, R&B, and EDM. It is described as a 'total package' that brings together music, dance, performance, and visual storytelling, creating a unique and inclusive community.

What is the significance of the BTS fandom, 'Army', in the context of the speech?

The Army fandom is portrayed as a powerful force that helped break down cultural barriers. The speaker credits Army for using BTS's music as a means to foster social change, support charitable causes, and unite people worldwide, transforming the perception of a minority culture into a global movement.

What role did Army play in BTS's international success?

Army played a crucial role in BTS's success by supporting the group through difficult times and advocating for their music. Their passion and dedication helped BTS break into mainstream media, and their global presence demonstrated the widespread appeal of K-pop.

Why does the speaker compare K-pop to 'pimbimp pop'?

The speaker compares K-pop to 'pimbimp pop'—a traditional Korean dish—because both involve combining distinct elements into a harmonious whole. K-pop mixes Korea's unique cultural aesthetics with global musical influences, resulting in a fresh and exciting product that maintains its cultural identity.

What challenges did BTS face when trying to go global?

When BTS first tried to expand outside Korea, they faced challenges such as cultural barriers and a lack of recognition for Korean music in English-speaking countries. They were often met with questions about their origin and struggled to get media coverage, which required them to create their own opportunities through street performances and other grassroots efforts.

How does the speaker define the cultural ecosystem for the future?

The speaker envisions a cultural ecosystem where creativity flows freely across borders, supported by policies and financial backing. This ecosystem would allow creators to flourish and produce content that fosters diversity, inclusion, and global solidarity, creating a future of shared understanding and growth.

What is the speaker’s request to the leaders of APAC?

The speaker requests the leaders of APAC to support creators by providing financial resources and opportunities for their talents to shine. The speaker urges them to consider culture alongside economics when making decisions, emphasizing that art and creativity have the power to move hearts and break down global barriers.

How does the speaker view the role of culture in fostering tolerance and understanding?

The speaker believes that culture, especially through music and art, plays a vital role in breaking down divisions and fostering tolerance. They stress that when different voices come together harmoniously, it sparks creative energy that can lead to deeper understanding and solidarity among diverse communities.

What is the speaker’s vision for the future of cultural diversity in the APAC region?

The speaker envisions a future where cultural diversity in the APAC region is celebrated and nurtured. They believe that K-pop's success proves that cultural diversity is a powerful force for human potential and growth, and they hope to see this creative flow spread across the region and the world, encouraging further inclusion and collaboration.