In an unprecedented display of cultural diplomacy, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung transformed their bilateral summit in Nara into an impromptu musical collaboration. The leaders, following Tuesday’s formal discussions in Takaichi’s hometown, surprised observers by engaging in a joint drumming performance to popular K-pop anthems.
Dressed in customized athletic jackets, the two heads of state seated themselves at a drum kit for a session featuring BTS’s global hit “Dynamite” and Kpop Demon Hunters’ “Golden.” The spontaneous performance, captured in an official video released by the Prime Minister’s office on Wednesday, showcased a rare moment of camaraderie between the neighboring nations’ leaders.
The musical initiative was personally orchestrated by Takaichi, who revealed her background as an avid drummer during her university years and confessed her enduring passion for heavy metal music. President Lee expressed profound gratitude for the unique diplomatic gesture, noting on his social media platform that drumming had represented a long-cherished personal aspiration.
Reflecting on the symbolic nature of their musical synchronization, Lee drew parallels to international relations, observing that just as they gradually aligned their rhythms while respecting individual differences, so too could Japan and South Korea enhance their cooperation through progressive steps.
Takaichi praised her counterpart’s rapid musical acquisition, noting in her video commentary that Lee mastered basic drumming techniques within minutes. The Japanese leader reaffirmed her commitment to advancing bilateral relations through continued close communication and proactive implementation of their ‘shuttle diplomacy’ framework, emphasizing the importance of stable and forward-looking development in Japan-South Korea relations.