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One of the world’s most influential K-pop stars, RM (Kim Namjoon) of BTS, explained the genre’s global appeal by using an analogy comparing the music to a traditional Korean dish. Speaking at the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29, the artist broke down the secret formula for K-pop’s success for an audience of world leaders and business figures. A Delicious Lesson in Diversity: The Bibimbap Theory In a keynote address that made him the first K-pop figure to ever speak at the Asia-Pacific economic forum, the BTS leader compared the blending of K-pop’s elements to a bowl of bibimbap. “Why K-pop? Why is it so unique? Why does K-pop create this powerful and inclusive community? It’s because of the special principle of unity of K-pop,” RM told the international crowd. “I like to compare K-pop music to bibimbap. And bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish. You got to taste it.” He explained the analogy, linking the culinary layers to music production: “So you take pop, which is rice, then you put all kinds of vegetables, meat, flavorings on top and mix it all up. And that’s bibimbap. And 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 mixed together to make something new and fresh and delightful.” The 360-Degree Total Package RM stressed that the global popularity of K-pop is driven by a total cultural experience, not just songs on a playlist. He positioned the Korean wave as an example of cross-cultural harmony that should be supported by leaders. Related: The Hottest Band on YouTube Right Now Isn’t Even Real He asserted, “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 success didn’t happen because one single culture was better. K-pop success came from respecting diversity and embracing cultures, but still holding on to Korea’s unique identity. When cultural barriers come down and different voices harmonize together, there’s an explosion of creative energy.” The speech was well received online, with one fan stating: “Wow, so impressed with RM, kim namjoon, of BTS, a korean songwriter & musician, to give a speech to APEC economic leaders/politicians, in english, not his first language, well done, kudos to you.” From Platinum Albums to a Post-Military Comeback The background of RM’s speech highlights the soft power the group holds. BTS—the septet including RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — defined K-pop’s global popularity with chart-topping albums like Map of the Soul: 7, Love Yourself: Answer, and the anthology album Proof. This era was temporarily halted when all members began their mandatory South Korean military service. With the service period concluding by June 2025 for all seven members, the focus has shifted to their massive reunion. The group is working toward the release of a new full album in March 2026 — their first in six years—which will be immediately followed by a widely reported and highly anticipated world tour.
