By Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park

GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -The leader of South Korean boyband BTS, RM, said diversity without borders was the source of creativity behind the group’s worldwide success, as Asia-Pacific leaders gathered in his home country for a trade forum overshadowed by protectionist worries.

“I am just an artist. I am not a business leader, so today, I want to speak to you as a creator and an artist,” said RM, a 31-year-old rapper, as he addressed a business event held on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation grouping.

“When cultural barriers come down and different voices harmonise together, there’s an explosion of creative energy,” he said.

“This is why K-Pop is loved everywhere,” he said, adding the group’s ARMY global fan

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