The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit is taking place in Korea from October 30 to November 1.
This year, the presence of Kpop artists and actors including RM (BTS), G-Dragon (Big Bang) and Cha Eun Woo ( Astro) highlighted the growing influence of Korean culture in the international arena.
RM (BTS) made history as the first K-pop artist to speak at the APEC CEO Summit.
On October 29, BTS leader RM took to the stage as a key spokesperson for the meeting on "Creative industry and the soft power of Korean culture in the APEC region".
In his 10-minute speech, RM shared his reflection on the global impact of Korean culture.
I want to share how Korean culture has crossed the border to touch the hearts of people around the world. As a creator, I feel proud that the cultural industry is recognized as an important APEC agenda, RM said.
The male singer compared Kpop to bibimbap - a traditional Korean mix, " North Korean music elements such as hip-hop, R&B, EDM, blending with Korean aesthetics, emotions and spirit to create new values".
At the same time, he emphasized that "the success of Kpop does not come from honoring a single culture, but from both preserving Korean cultural identity and respecting and absorbing global culture".
In his speech, RM also praised the power of Kpop fandoms such as ARMY (BTS fans), and called for the creation of space for global creators to freely express their talents.
Meanwhile, G-Dragon (Big Bang) was the only K-pop artist to perform at a reception for leaders of 21 APEC member countries on the evening of October 31.
The leader of Big Bang appeared with an impressive appearance. He wore a white-brimmed black vest, a wide-brimmed hat and a typical diamond chrysanthemum accessory on his shirt.
G-Dragon performed songs from his solo album Übermensch including Power, Home Sweet Home, Drama.
G-Dragon was appointed APEC promotion ambassador in July. He appeared in a promotional video with President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea and many famous figures such as football player Park Ji Sung, film director Park Chan Wook, Kpop idol Jang Won Young (IVE)...
"With global influence, G-Dragon is the perfect embodiment of APEC's connected and sustainable values," said an APEC Planning Commission official.
In addition, the appearance of idol singer and actor Cha Eun Woo ( Astro group) at APEC also surprised everyone. Cha Eun Woo was assigned the MC role for the APEC leaders' reception, where G-Dragon performed.
Cha Eun Woo is currently serving his mandatory military service in the Korean Music Corps. He has been temporarily deployed to support the APEC Summit in Gyeongju City, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
Cha Eun Woo's garbled, professional demeanor as MC for the APEC event has caused a storm on social media.
