APEC CEO Summit 2025 Features K-Pop Stars: BTS's RM Delivers Keynote, G-DRAGON to Perform, Cha Eun-woo Makes Surprise Appearance

The APEC CEO Summit 2025 is buzzing with the participation of K-pop's biggest stars, creating a spectacular lineup. Notably, RM of global sensation BTS made history as the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit, underscoring the growing influence of Korean culture.

On the second day of the summit, held on October 29th at the Gyeongju Arts Center, RM addressed the audience for approximately 10 minutes on the theme 'Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.' He spoke about how K-culture transcends borders to touch hearts worldwide and expressed pride in having cultural industries discussed as a core agenda item at APEC. RM defined K-pop as a '360-degree package content integrating music, dance, visuals, and storytelling,' highlighting how the fusion of different elements creates new value, much like Korean 'bibimbap.' He also emphasized the power of the fandom 'ARMY' and urged APEC leaders to create platforms for creators worldwide to showcase their talents, stating, 'Culture is the most powerful medium for connecting diversity and inclusion.'

Adding to the excitement, G-DRAGON, a global icon, is set to be the sole K-pop artist performing at the APEC Summit Welcome Banquet on October 31st at the Grand Ballroom of Lahan Hotel Gyeongju. G-DRAGON is expected to promote the values of APEC and elevate Korea's cultural status through his innovative performances.

G-DRAGON has been actively serving as an ambassador for the APEC Summit since July, demonstrating his commitment by flying back and forth from his international tour schedule to participate in promotional videos alongside prominent figures like President Lee Jae-myung, soccer player Park Ji-sung, director Park Chan-wook, and IVE's Jang Won-young.

Adding an unexpected element, ASTRO member Cha Eun-woo, currently serving in the military, was spotted at the APEC venue. On October 30th, 목격담 (eyewitness accounts) of 'Cha Eun-woo spotted at the APEC site' circulated online. It was reported that Cha Eun-woo, an enlisted soldier serving with the Ministry of National Defense Service Support Corps, was dispatched to Gyeongju to support the APEC Summit events. Photos and videos showed him in his military uniform, drawing admiration for his neat appearance and impeccable visuals even from a distance.

The participation of RM, G-DRAGON, and Cha Eun-woo at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 highlights the cultural exchange and the soft power of South Korea on a global stage.

Korean netizens are reacting enthusiastically, with comments like 'RM's speech is a historic moment for APEC,' 'Can't wait for G-DRAGON's performance!', and 'Cha Eun-woo in uniform looks so cool and touching.' The public is showing great interest in the involvement of K-pop stars at the APEC summit.