BTS' RM comes under fire online after APEC CEO Summit 2025 speech

The rapper was accused of being self-congratulatory and hypocritical by netizens after his speech went viral online

BTS leader and rapper RM's recent speech at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 became the topic of a heated debate among netizens who accused the star of 'hypocrisy' .

Earlier this week, RM stepped up to the podium to address the Summit taking place in Gyeongju, South Korea, where he delivered a passionate speech about the significance of supporting creative industries and establishing global financial aid for artists.

RM in a message to world leaders during his speech today:

"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… pic.twitter.com/QycfjwiWr1

— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) October 29, 2025

However, shortly after the footage of the speech started circulating online, social media users brought up previous interviews and clips of the rapper, accusing him of being self-congratulatory and hypocritical with regard to BTS' influence on Asian artists.

The controversy caught fuel after some fans recalled RM’s old comments about BTS “paving the way” for others and undermining the influence of earlier pioneers of the K-pop genre. 

While some users argued that the criticism was being blown out of propotion, others were adamant that the speech reflected RM's arrogance. Netizens continued to highlight other Asian artists like Wonder Girls and Psy, whose global influence predated BTS.

He's a straight up narcissist, always boasting about himself n discredits smaller artists, don't let the media play fool you, he has 0 humility or respect for others https://t.co/Es07TNmU3Q

— . (@mczist) October 29, 2025

Oh now he cares about other artists? When few years ago him and his group refuse to mention any other artists but themselves, the hypocrisy. https://t.co/skeAIQa5PY pic.twitter.com/KhJLnmf9aW

— Amxoju (@AMXOJU) October 29, 2025

you disrespect other groups by claiming your group "paved the way," which is a lie. your company exploits social issues, mental health, queerbaiting, and parasocial relationships to market your group. you and your company have no right to speak. https://t.co/yWQ1GXQt61

— ZZ♡ (@pinkvoila) October 29, 2025

Despite the growing backlash, HYBE and RM have remained silent on the controversy.