BTS rapper RM calls for ‘no borders, no limitations’ at Apec CEO Summit
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In his speech, BTS member RM compared culture to a river flowing freely, and K-Pop to “bibimbap”, a traditional Korean dish of various ingredients mixed with rice.
PHOTO: AFP
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GYEONGJU, South Korea – The leader of South Korean boyband BTS, RM, said diversity without borders was the source of creativity behind the group’s worldwide success, as Asia-Pacific leaders gathered in his home country
“I am just an artiste. I am not a business leader, so today I want to speak to you as a creator and an artiste,” said RM, a 31-year-old rapper, as he addressed a business event held on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation grouping.
“When cultural barriers come down and different voices harmonise together, there’s an explosion of creative energy,” he said.
“This is why K-pop is loved everywhere,” he said, adding that the group’s Army global fan club spanning millions of loyal followers is “crossing borders and breaking down barriers through the pure power of cultural solidarity”.
BTS have been reunited with all of their seven members having completed their mandatory military service in 2025 and are now preparing for a big return with a new album i n 2026
RM, in his speech on South Korean soft power, compared culture to a river flowing freely, and K-pop to “bibimbap”, a traditional Korean dish of various ingredients mixed with rice.
“I’d like to compare K-pop music to bibimbap,” RM said. “You take bap, which is rice, then you put all kinds of vegetables, meat, flavourings on top and mix it all up - and that’s the bibim part. K-pop is much the same.
“You take Korea’s unique aesthetics, emotions and production system, but you don’t turn away elements of Western music like hip-hop, R&B or EDM. Just like bibimbap, these parts all keep their unique identities but mix together to make something new and fresh and delightful.”
He added: “K-pop is not just a genre of music. It is a 360-degree total package of music, dance, performance, visual style, storytelling, music video and even social media. K-pop’s success didn’t happen because one single culture was better. K-pop’s success came from respecting diversity and embracing world cultures, but still holding on to Korea’s unique identity.”
Earlier in the day, the forum was addressed by United States President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who then met nearby for tariff talks
South Korea is betting on cultural exports to support its economy at a time when traditional manufacturers face growing protectionist barriers.
President Lee has pledged support for the K-pop industry to make his nation a global cultural powerhouse.
“K-pop’s shiny success is proof that cultural diversity and creativity are the greatest human potential. Of course, no borders, no limitations,” RM said. REUTERS
