FULL SPEECH: BTS’ RM Makes History at APEC Summit with Powerful Message on K-Pop & Creativity | AA1G

Summary

RM, a member of BTS, delivers an inspiring speech at an APAC event, sharing his journey from humble beginnings to global recognition. He highlights the power of K-pop in breaking cultural barriers and uniting people across the world. RM reflects on BTS’s rise, supported by their passionate fandom, Army, and emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and creativity. He calls on leaders to support creators and invest in the future of art and culture, ensuring that creativity can flourish and bring about a better, more inclusive world.

Takeaways

• 😀 RM is honored to meet APAC leaders in Korea, his birthplace, and to share his thoughts on the cultural industry's importance.
• 🎶 RM emphasizes that the cultural industry, especially K-pop, has immense economic value and growth potential, though he speaks as a creator rather than a business leader.
• 🌍 He highlights how K-pop crosses borders, creating emotional connections rather than something measurable or calculable, describing it as a bridge that connects the world.
• 🎤 RM expresses gratitude for BTS's success, crediting the fans (ARMY) for breaking barriers and bringing their music to the global stage.
• 💬 RM reflects on the early challenges BTS faced in trying to promote Korean music internationally and how cultural barriers initially made their journey difficult.
• 🛑 Despite facing resistance, BTS found innovative ways to connect with audiences, including performing in the streets and handing out flyers for free shows.
• 🌎 RM points out that the international success of BTS and the rise of ARMY is a result of cultural solidarity, where fans use BTS's music to engage in global conversations and charitable work.
• 🎧 RM describes K-pop as a fusion of diverse cultural elements, where Western genres like hip-hop and EDM blend with Korea's unique identity, similar to the traditional Korean dish 'bibimbap'.
• 🌐 K-pop is a multifaceted cultural product that includes music, dance, performance, visual style, and social media, making it a global force.
• 💡 RM calls on APAC leaders to invest in creators and culture, urging them to support the next generation of artists to help creativity flourish and bridge cultural gaps through art.
• 🎨 He concludes by pledging to contribute his own creativity to the global cultural ecosystem, while urging continued support for creators and their potential to spark meaningful social change.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of RM’s speech at the APAC event?

RM aimed to share his perspective as a creator on how K-pop crosses borders, moves people emotionally, and can inspire a collaborative cultural ecosystem for the future.

Why did RM highlight that cultural industries were included as a key APAC agenda for the first time?

He emphasized it to show the growing global recognition of cultural industries' economic value and their role in shaping the future.

What role did RM attribute to BTS’s fandom, ARMY, in their global success?

RM credited ARMY with breaking down cultural barriers, amplifying BTS’s message, and transforming from supporters of a minority culture to a global force of solidarity.

What challenges did BTS face when first trying to enter global markets?

They experienced cultural barriers, lack of mainstream media access, and even basic misunderstandings about Korea’s identity, requiring them to explain their country before discussing their music.

How did RM compare K-pop to the Korean dish bibimbap?

RM said K-pop, like bibimbap, blends diverse elements—Korean aesthetics mixed with global music styles—while still preserving each component’s unique identity to create something fresh and new.

Why did RM emphasize that K-pop’s success isn’t about one culture being superior?

He highlighted that K-pop’s success stems from respecting diversity, embracing global influences, and preserving Korea’s distinct cultural identity.

What message did RM deliver regarding cultural diversity in the Asia-Pacific region?

RM said the region is rich in dynamic cultural diversity and that K-pop’s success shows how creativity and cultural differences can be powerful drivers of growth and unity.

What request did RM make to APAC leaders concerning global creators?

He urged leaders to provide financial support, opportunities, and policies that enable creators to flourish and fully express their creativity.

How does RM view the role of culture and art in society?

He sees them as powerful forces that move hearts, promote diversity, foster understanding, and spark solidarity without borders.

What commitment did RM personally make to the APAC vision?

RM promised to contribute creatively through music, offering messages of courage, hope, and unity, and to make full use of the cultural ‘canvas’ and ‘playground’ that leaders help build.

What larger point did RM make about the flow of culture?

He compared culture to a river, flowing freely and harmonizing across different streams, illustrating how blended cultural influences can create new ideas and connections.