A surreal drum duet between two East Asian world leaders has set the internet abuzz - and put a spotlight on Japan and South Korea's diplomatic relationship. Decked out in matching blue jackets, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday played drums to the beats of K-pop hits - including Dynamite by BTS and Golden from hit film K-pop Demon Hunters.
The performance, a nod to Takaichi's past life as a drummer in a heavy metal band, wrapped up Lee's official visit to Japan this week. It's also part of Lee's diplomatic overtures to regional powers including Japan, with whom South Korea has a fraught history but shares a security alliance. The drumming session from Tuesday, which Lee described as a little clumsy, has now spawned a viral video.
During Lee's visit to Nara, Takaichi's hometown, he gifted the Japanese prime minister a drum set. The two leaders also exchanged signed drumsticks after their performance. When we met at APEC last year, [Lee] said it was his dream to play the drums, so we prepared a surprise, Takaichi later wrote on X.
Footage of the jam session has won praise on social media, highlighting how music can bridge divides, with users expressing hope for improved relations. Despite long-standing historical grievances, their cooperation is deemed increasingly important amid heightened regional tensions. On Tuesday, Takaichi emphasized the necessity of collaboration between Japan, South Korea, and the US.
Lee's smooth diplomacy is boosting his domestic popularity, especially as he continues to engage with other regional powers. While his charm offensive is well received, North Korea remains unyielding, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Nonetheless, the drum session symbolizes a shared commitment to move past differences and strengthen bilateral relations.
The performance, a nod to Takaichi's past life as a drummer in a heavy metal band, wrapped up Lee's official visit to Japan this week. It's also part of Lee's diplomatic overtures to regional powers including Japan, with whom South Korea has a fraught history but shares a security alliance. The drumming session from Tuesday, which Lee described as a little clumsy, has now spawned a viral video.
During Lee's visit to Nara, Takaichi's hometown, he gifted the Japanese prime minister a drum set. The two leaders also exchanged signed drumsticks after their performance. When we met at APEC last year, [Lee] said it was his dream to play the drums, so we prepared a surprise, Takaichi later wrote on X.
Footage of the jam session has won praise on social media, highlighting how music can bridge divides, with users expressing hope for improved relations. Despite long-standing historical grievances, their cooperation is deemed increasingly important amid heightened regional tensions. On Tuesday, Takaichi emphasized the necessity of collaboration between Japan, South Korea, and the US.
Lee's smooth diplomacy is boosting his domestic popularity, especially as he continues to engage with other regional powers. While his charm offensive is well received, North Korea remains unyielding, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Nonetheless, the drum session symbolizes a shared commitment to move past differences and strengthen bilateral relations.
