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Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Minister of Economy, made headlines during his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit – not just for diplomatic meetings but for his attraction to K-pop.

Ebrard was spotted at BTS member Jin’s fan concert on Saturday at Incheon Munhak Stadium. He traveled to Korea on behalf of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who remained home to manage flood-related emergencies.

A well-known K-pop enthusiast, Ebrard also attended the APEC 2025 welcome dinner in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, where G-Dragon of K-pop boy group BIGBANG performed.

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He later followed G-Dragon on Instagram and posted fan-cam videos with playful captions such as, “Are you the king of K-pop?” or “Not to brag, but I got to see G-Dragon in the front row!”

Ebrard’s enthusiasm for Korean pop culture is not new.

During Mexico’s 2023 presidential primary, he pledged to invite BTS if elected, and he has previously shared footage from BLACKPINK’s concert in Mexico City.

(Yonhap)

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This year’s APEC marked the first time the cultural industry took center stage in summit discussions. At the APEC CEO Summit opening, BTS leader RM delivered a keynote speech titled, “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.”

RM highlighted the growing influence of Korean culture and stressed that K-pop’s success lies in its openness and inclusivity.

“As creators and artists of this era, I ask APEC leaders to provide financial support and opportunities for creators around the world to flourish their creativity,” RM said. “Investment in future generations must be addressed from both an economic and cultural perspective. Culture and the arts are powerful motivators and the easiest and fastest means of conveying diversity and inclusiveness.”