RM (Kim Namjoon), leader of BTS, will deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29. His talk will spotlight the cultural & creative industries in the APEC region and the soft power of K-culture—marking a notable first for a K-pop artist on this stage. The Straits Times+2Soompi+2
Why this matters (in 3 points)
Culture at the heart of an economic forum
The APEC CEO Summit convenes political and business leaders alongside tech visionaries. Featuring RM alongside global industry figures underscores how culture now intersects directly with trade, innovation, and policy. Reuters
From soft power to hard impact
RM has previously spoken on global stages (e.g., the UN). Placing K-culture’s economic ripple effects—tourism, consumer goods, fashion/beauty, tech—on an APEC agenda signals a shift from “cultural headlines” to business strategy and regional development. Korea Times
A precedent for future forums
As likely the first K-pop artist to keynote the APEC CEO Summit, RM’s appearance could open doors for creator–policy–enterprise collaborations at other global gatherings (WEF, B20, etc.). Sportskeeda
Key details (at a glance)
vent: APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025
Speaker: RM (BTS)
Date: October 29, 2025 (Day 2 of the CEO Summit)
Focus: “Cultural & Creative Industries in the APEC Region” and K-culture’s soft power
Venue: Gyeongju Arts Center, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province
(Confirmed via multiple outlets referencing the official program.) Soompi+1
Further reading (curated)
The Straits Times — “BTS’ RM to deliver keynote speech at APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025” (venue/date/theme). The Straits Times
The Korea Times — Announcement & context for RM’s keynote. Korea Times
Soompi — Program note: Day 2, cultural/creative industries theme. Soompi
Korea JoongAng Daily — 10-minute afternoon presentation focusing on K-culture soft power. Korea Joongang Daily
APEC CEO Summit overview (tech/energy/leadership focus across sessions). APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025
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