On December 23, Asia Society released an interview with HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, where he expressed pride in K-pop's global success.

When asked if he ever imagined his work would lead the spread of K-pop and Korean culture, Bang admitted, "Honestly, I never imagined it. As a child, the American music market, representing global music, felt so distant and unattainable."

He continued, "Even when I began the journey with BTS, I didn't foresee it leading to this outcome. About two and a half years after BTS debuted, I started to feel that I could achieve things that had never been done in Asia before."

Bang added, "By giving my all to make these dreams a reality, I've reached where I am today. Yet, even now, when I look back, what I'm doing often feels surreal."

Discussing cultural exchange, he said, "Cultural clashes can lead to major global tragedies. True peace and progress come from mutual understanding, and that understanding should be rooted in culture. Broadly, we need to acknowledge our differences and use them as a foundation for growth and innovation."

Bang Si-hyuk elaborated on BTS's influence, saying, "It's hard to claim that I did everything, but before BTS achieved global success, understanding of Asian culture was quite narrow and localized. People who liked Asian culture were often considered to have unusual tastes. Through BTS, the efforts I made became something people worldwide found cool and hot, leading to a greater mutual understanding."

He emphasized, "Now, I strongly believe that the efforts to adopt and enhance Asian culture in the U.S. or globally are not just about cultural exchange but contribute to world peace and human progress."

When asked how music can resonate with both Korean and global audiences, Bang said, "Balance is always crucial. Instead of labeling something as 'global,' 'Korean,' or 'Asian,' I believe there are universal values that all humans share despite our differences. I focus on creating music grounded in these universal values while blending what I've learned as a Korean and Asian with the global influences I've been exposed to through American music."

He added, "It's not just about mixing two cultures; it's about creating content that stands on its own and delivers a powerful emotional impact. That's where my focus lies."