South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concluded their summit talks in Nara, Japan, with a surprise K-pop drum duet, highlighting efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations.
On Tuesday, after their summit, the leaders played drums to K-pop hits such as BTS’s ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Golden’ from the animated film Kpop Demon Hunters. The impromptu session, which was not pre-announced, took place between a joint press conference and a dinner hosted by Takaichi. It showcased Takaichi’s past experience as a drummer in a heavy metal band, and she led the session by instructing Lee on how to play. The South Korean government noted that the drumming was a gesture of personal camaraderie, with Takaichi revealing she had arranged it as a surprise after Lee mentioned his dream to play drums during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last October.
Lee’s visit to Nara, Takaichi’s hometown, marked his official trip to Japan this week, part of a broader diplomatic outreach to key regional powers. The summit aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation amid a complex historical backdrop. Japan and South Korea have long been strained by issues stemming from Japan’s colonial rule over Korea and ongoing territorial disputes. However, both nations are allies of the United States and have increasingly collaborated on security matters, particularly in countering China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
During the talks, Takaichi emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation between Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. in the face of a tense strategic environment. The leaders also agreed to boost economic ties, a move seen as timely given China’s recent restrictions on exports of rare earths and dual-use goods to Japan. This economic pledge underscores the practical dimensions of their relationship beyond symbolic gestures.
The drum duet quickly went viral on social media platforms like X, where users praised the cultural exchange as a heartwarming moment that could help bridge historical divides. Comments in both Korean and Japanese highlighted the power of music to connect people on a deeper level than words alone. Many observers noted that such informal interactions, while small, could contribute positively to the gradual improvement of Korea-Japan relations.
Lee’s diplomatic approach has involved similar personal touches with other world leaders. In recent months, he has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, taking selfies on a Chinese smartphone, and presented U.S. President Donald Trump with a golden crown. These actions have boosted his approval ratings domestically and positioned him as a skilled negotiator on the global stage. However, his overtures to North Korea’s Kim Jong Un have been less successful, with Pyongyang rejecting peace efforts and accusing Seoul of provocations.
The surprise drum session reflects a broader strategy by both leaders to build personal rapport as a foundation for diplomatic progress. In a post on X, Lee likened their efforts to the musical duet, saying, ‘Even if our timing was slightly different, our intention to find the same rhythm was shared.’ He expressed commitment to working with Takaichi to foster a future-oriented relationship between the two countries.
Looking ahead, the amicable tone set by the Nara summit may pave the way for more substantive collaborations on security, economy, and cultural exchanges. While historical grievances remain, the leaders’ willingness to engage in lighthearted moments suggests a desire to move past conflicts and focus on common interests. The event underscores the evolving dynamics in East Asia, where personal diplomacy plays a crucial role in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
