G-Dragon, the legendary K-pop icon and global cultural ambassador, is set to perform a special stage at the upcoming APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit’s welcome dinner in Gyeongju.
Representing the power of Korean pop culture on the international stage, this performance highlights the increasing role of entertainment in soft diplomacy.
The event will take place on October 31 at the Lahan Hotel Grand Ballroom, where G-Dragon will be the only K-pop artist performing for world leaders and distinguished guests.
G-Dragon’s Prestigious Role as APEC Ambassador
Earlier in July 2025, G-Dragon was officially appointed as an ambassador for the APEC Summit, held in Gyeongju, South Korea.
His appointment was met with enthusiasm across both the political and entertainment sectors, as his global influence, artistry, and cultural symbolism perfectly align with the summit’s goals of innovation and cooperation.
Since then, he has been actively involved in promotional activities, including the APEC promotional video, which has already surpassed 17 million views online.
This massive viewership not only reflects G-Dragon’s immense popularity but also showcases how effectively his participation has amplified international awareness of the summit.
A Performance Bridging Culture and Diplomacy
At the welcome banquet, G-Dragon will deliver a performance designed to celebrate unity, creativity, and the future of the Asia-Pacific region.
His inclusion represents the merging of culture and diplomacy, reinforcing the idea that modern soft power—through music and art—can foster global understanding.
G-Dragon’s involvement underscores South Korea’s growing influence as a global cultural hub and reflects how K-pop continues to play a key role in international engagement.
Global Recognition for His Promotional Efforts
Galaxy Corporation, G-Dragon’s current agency, praised his commitment and professionalism throughout his ambassadorial activities.
G-Dragon (Credit: YouTube)
They stated that G-Dragon’s APEC-related promotional materials have been “setting a new standard in international event marketing”.
His modern and artistic approach has redefined how large-scale diplomatic events can connect with younger audiences, merging innovation, creativity, and global communication.
His charisma and futuristic image have proven effective in bringing international attention to APEC’s initiatives.
Continuing Success with the ‘WeversemanC’ World Tour
Alongside his ambassadorial duties, G-Dragon is currently in the midst of his third solo world tour, ‘WeversemanC’, which has been receiving critical acclaim for its inventive stage designs and powerful performances.
The tour spans Asia, North America, and Europe, solidifying his continued global relevance and artistic excellence.
The world tour is expected to conclude in December 2025 with a grand finale concert in Seoul, South Korea.
Each concert showcases not just G-Dragon’s musical genius but also his visionary approach to performance art, fashion, and multimedia storytelling.
The Legacy of G-Dragon: Bridging Pop Culture and Innovation
Throughout his career, G-Dragon has continuously blurred the lines between art, fashion, and technology.
Known for his futuristic concepts and boundary-pushing creativity, he represents the forward-thinking ethos that aligns perfectly with APEC’s mission of fostering innovation and collaboration across member nations.
His ability to influence trends globally while maintaining deep cultural roots makes him an ideal representative for such a prestigious international platform.
Symbol of South Korea’s Global Cultural Power
By performing at the APEC Summit’s welcome dinner, G-Dragon becomes not only a musical performer but a symbol of South Korea’s cultural diplomacy.
His presence at the event signifies the global acknowledgment of K-pop as a legitimate cultural export and soft-power tool.
With his unique artistry and magnetic stage presence, G-Dragon is expected to deliver a performance that embodies unity, creativity, and inspiration—values that resonate deeply with the APEC Summit’s spirit of cooperation.
Renowned ballad singer Sung Si Kyung has candidly addressed the recent decline in views on his popular YouTube channel, demonstrating his characteristic humility and grounded perspective.
The veteran artist, known for his soothing vocals and witty personality, shared his honest thoughts in a new episode of his beloved food series,
“Sung Si Kyung’s What to Eat | Euljiro Incheon House,” released on October 29, 2025.
A Realistic Take on Popularity
In the video, Sung Si Kyung reflected on the natural changes in his channel’s popularity over time. With sincerity and humor, he said,
“In the beginning, I think the channel’s influence was really strong. But honestly, I feel more comfortable now. I’m not BTS — I never understood why my videos were getting 2 to 3 million views. It didn’t feel like it fit me.”
His statement highlighted his self-awareness and ability to remain humble despite once commanding millions of views per upload.
Sung Si Kyung (Credit: YouTube)
Instead of lamenting the decline, Sung Si Kyung approached it with a sense of relief, explaining that high numbers once brought him more pressure than satisfaction.
Finding Joy Beyond the Numbers
The channel’s success has largely stemmed from the singer’s genuine approach to dining experiences — visiting small, hidden gems and sharing honest opinions about the food and atmosphere.
He emphasized that fame or sponsorship has never been his driving motivation:
“Even when my videos were getting high views, I never got cocky. I actually felt more pressure and worked harder. I’ve always filmed with the same mindset — I pick restaurants where I genuinely enjoy the food and have something to talk about. I’ve never once been paid by any restaurant.”
This remark underscores Sung Si Kyung’s dedication to maintaining authenticity over commercialism, a trait that has earned him both respect and loyalty from fans.
Balancing Fame and Everyday Life
Over the years, Sung Si Kyung’s charm has come not only from his musical achievements but also from his relatable and unpretentious demeanor.
His YouTube content feels less like a celebrity project and more like an honest look into the life of a man who loves food, conversation, and connection.
However, the success of his show has brought unintended consequences for some of the restaurants he features.
Addressing concerns from local patrons who struggle to book tables after his videos go viral, he said with a smile:
“To the office workers in Euljiro who usually eat here, please understand. I just want to share good food I’ve discovered. And honestly, people only watch ‘What to Eat’ for about a month — the popularity doesn’t last long. So please bear with me.”
His playful tone and self-deprecating humor reflect the same warmth and approachability that have defined his long career.
BTS (Credit: YouTube)
Embracing Authentic Growth
In an era where digital creators often measure success by clicks and views, he offers a refreshing perspective — one focused on genuine engagement and artistic satisfaction rather than fleeting popularity.
By acknowledging that he’s not BTS — the global pop phenomenon whose massive online influence transcends platforms — Sung Si Kyung distinguishes his work as something more personal and grounded.
Rather than comparing himself to idol culture, he embraces his niche as a singer and storyteller who connects through sincerity.
His humility also serves as a quiet reminder that fame is not always linear; for seasoned artists like him, maintaining authentic joy in one’s craft often outweighs the temporary thrill of viral fame.
The Legacy of “What to Eat”
Since its launch, “Sung Si Kyung’s What to Eat” has become one of the most popular Korean celebrity-run YouTube series, attracting both domestic and international viewers.
The series blends culinary exploration with heartfelt conversation, often featuring fellow musicians, friends, and restaurant owners.
Unlike traditional mukbang or travel vlogs, Sung Si Kyung’s approach is calm, conversational, and deeply human. His thoughtful storytelling and genuine curiosity about people’s lives make every episode feel intimate — like sharing a meal with an old friend.
Even as views fluctuate, his core audience remains loyal, valuing the comfort and sincerity that define his channel.
His continued engagement and consistency suggest that while the initial hype may have subsided, the long-term appeal of authenticity never fades.
Fans Applaud His Honesty
Following the video’s release, fans and netizens praised Sung Si Kyung’s humility, noting that his down-to-earth attitude is precisely what makes his content enjoyable.
“This is why we love him — he’s real.” “He doesn’t chase trends, he just enjoys life. That’s inspiring.” “Even if views drop, his videos are always comforting to watch.”
These reactions reflect how Sung Si Kyung has cultivated a relationship with his audience built on trust and sincerity rather than spectacle.
