“NO ONE has done more than BTS” - Fans defend RM amid backlash over alleged “hypocrisy” claims following his APEC CEO Summit 2025 speech

BTS leader RM (Kim Nam-joon) became the center of an online debate after his recent appearance at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 in South Korea on October 29, 2025. While fans praised his speech about supporting creators, a few critics accused him of being hypocritical.

During the summit, the rapper gave a 10-minute address before hundreds of world CEOs and global leaders. He spoke about the importance of creativity and cultural exchange. He also called on nations to fund and protect creators so that art could thrive across borders.

However, shortly after clips from the event went viral, some users resurfaced moments from older interviews in which he had reportedly discussed “paving the way” for K-pop’s international growth.

A section of netizens claimed that his latest call for inclusivity conflicted with his earlier acknowledgment that BTS opened global doors for K-pop. They insisted that groups, such as Wonder Girls and PSY, had already introduced K-pop to Western audiences.

A few comments from netizens who wrote against RM's speech (Images via X/@AMXOJU, @mndublinkk, @mczist, & @mintycara)

Despite the backlash, fans quickly rallied behind the BTS frontman. They explained that his comments were being twisted. Supporters argued that when he acknowledged BTS’ achievements, he was simply recognizing facts and not dismissing other artists. They highlighted that his message at APEC was meant to empower all creators, not to draw comparisons. An X user, @HOBILOVI, wrote:

"NO ONE has done more than BTS, and yet ur favs don't talk about them with the respect they deserve, so what do you think ur favs deserve? he always talked about the entire industry, and there's no need to mention names cause ur favs companies are always chasing mediaplay anyway."

Many also noted that his remarks reflected years of personal experience breaking barriers as a Korean artist in the West, where cultural biases were common.

Fans emphasized that BTS’ influence on K-pop’s global recognition was undeniable and that RM had every right to speak about creative solidarity. They claimed that his words were being taken out of context unfairly.

---

RM’s APEC CEO Summit 2025 speech highlights the power of creativity and cultural unity

At the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, Kim Nam-joon made history as the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote speech at the global business event. He addressed more than 1,700 international executives and policymakers, sharing BTS’ decade-long journey and reflecting on the cultural struggles they faced when first introducing Korean-language music abroad.

He recalled how, in their early years, people often didn’t even know where Korea was. Over time, however, BTS and their fans, known as ARMY, helped reshape that narrative through music and solidarity. RM compared K-pop to bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish that combines diverse ingredients into a harmonious flavor.

"When we said we are artists from Korea, they didn't 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. But we overcame those barriers. And now I'm here today sharing this precious moment with you," the rapper said.

In his speech, RM urged global leaders to support creators financially and structurally, explaining that culture is not just entertainment but a bridge that connects humanity. He described art as a “river that flows freely," carrying empathy and understanding across borders.

The idol also thanked other BTS members and fans for standing with them throughout their journey. He credited the fandom for breaking barriers and inspiring social change through charity and community efforts.

He continued, after jokingly emphasising the difference between the military Army and the group's fandom, ARMY:

"ARMY was the force that broke down those barriers. They use our music as the medium to carry out conversations that cross borders and languages. They were inspired by the message in the music of BTS to give to charity to run social campaigns, and finally, the world was amazed."

He concluded by promising to continue spreading messages of hope and courage through his music, using his voice to promote diversity and compassion.

"As an artist, I promise that I will also let my imagination fill the canvas you will create. I will play my heart out in the playground you will build for us. I promise that I'll do my part by sending a message of courage and hope and lots of emotions through music. A message of embracing our differences to make something better together," the idol said.

---

BTS is currently preparing to make their much-anticipated comeback in Spring 2026.

Edited by Riya Peter