BTS leader Kim Namjoon, popularly known as RM, has created history once again! The rapper and lyricist became the first-ever K-pop idol to address the prestigious APEC CEO Summit, a global business forum that brings together world leaders, CEOs, and innovators. His moving speech celebrated the power of music, diversity, and connection beyond borders, leaving fans emotional and proud.

RM’s thanks BTS ARMY

In his impactful address, RM reflected on the influence of K-pop in uniting people across the globe. “It’s not something we can really calculate or measure. It’s a bridge that connects worlds,” he said, highlighting how Korean pop music transcends cultural boundaries to move the hearts of millions.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the BTS fandom, ARMY, RM added, “Army’s support and passion crossed all borders and opened up like a brand new path for me. 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.”

Namjoon on K-Pop’s evolution and BTS’ struggle

Namjoon also reflected on the early struggles BTS faced when stepping onto the global stage over a decade ago. He recalled being dismissed as ‘non-English’ and part of a “foreign culture.” Sharing a personal memory, he said, “When we said we are artists from Korea, they did not ask us about our music, 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 wasn’t just about BTS, it was about the evolution of K-pop itself. “K-Pop is not just a genre of music, it is a 360 degrees total package of music, dance, performance, visual style, storytelling, music video, and even social media,” he said.

RM has truly made ARMY and millions of K-pop fans really proud.