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

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

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

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