RM, the leader of the globally popular band BTS, has come under fire for perceived hypocrisy following his recent speech at the APEC CEO Summit 2025. During a cultural session focused on the “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture,” RM made a heartfelt appeal for support for creators around the world. His remarks, however, were met with significant backlash from netizens.
At the summit, RM stated, “As a creator and artist of this generation, I’d like to use this opportunity to make a request to the distinguished leaders of APEC. There are creators all over the world. Please help them. Give them the financial support they need.” This quote, shared widely on social media, ignited a wave of criticism, with many users accusing him of being self-serving.
Critics quickly resurfaced past clips where RM and BTS were seen as promoting their own achievements, particularly in relation to their claims of “paving the way” for Asian artists. Many commenters expressed frustration, arguing that RM’s current call for support contradicts earlier statements where he downplayed the contributions of other artists in the K-pop industry. One user remarked, “Oh now he cares about other artists? When a few years ago him and his group refused to mention any other artists but themselves, the hypocrisy.”
The backlash included harsh accusations about RM’s character, with some users labeling him a narcissist for seemingly overshadowing smaller artists in his past comments. Criticism extended to recent controversies involving HYBE, the agency managing BTS, with remarks suggesting that the company exploits various social issues for marketing purposes. One user stated, “You disrespect other groups by claiming your group ‘paved the way,’ which is a lie. You and your company have no right to speak.”
Other users highlighted the contributions of earlier K-pop groups such as Wonder Girls and Psy, suggesting that RM’s narrative ignores the groundwork laid by these artists. Tweets reflected a sentiment that RM’s recent appeal feels insincere, questioning his commitment to supporting the broader artistic community.
Online discourse also included allegations of RM’s moral inconsistency, with one critic asserting that he presents himself as diplomatic but fails to address serious issues within the industry. Comments ranged from claims of being a “raging misogynist” to accusations of promoting harmful ideologies, reflecting a broader frustration with perceived elitism in the K-pop scene.
As the conversation continues, RM’s speech serves as a focal point for discussions about the responsibilities of high-profile artists within the global creative community. The backlash illustrates the complexities of celebrity influence, particularly in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape where the contributions of all artists are increasingly recognized.
The incident highlights a growing trend in the entertainment industry where public figures are held accountable for their past statements and actions. As fans and critics alike examine the implications of RM’s comments, the discourse may shape the future of how artists engage with their peers and the broader artistic community.
