Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung shared a drum session after their summit in Nara on January 14, 2026, as a surprise arranged by Takaichi. The event highlighted warming ties between the two nations.
On January 14, 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung capped their summit in Nara with a lively drum session. Arranged as a surprise by Takaichi, an amateur drummer and heavy metal enthusiast who played in college, the event stemmed from Lee's expressed interest in drums during their first talks in October.
The leaders performed to BTS's hit "Dynamite" and "Golden" from Netflix's animated series "K-Pop Demon Hunters." They donned blue uniforms emblazoned with their names and national flags, symbolizing friendship and mutual respect, according to officials.
In a video posted on the Prime Minister's Office YouTube channel, Takaichi praised Lee: "The president learned to play the drums in just 5, 10 minutes." On X, she added, "The president told me that he was glad to get the chance to play the drums, which had been his dream for many years."
Lee responded on X: "Although our tempos were a bit different, we both tried to match the rhythm together - we will create a future-oriented relationship with one heart."
The summit focused on economic security, historical issues, and enhanced exchanges amid rising East Asian tensions. Both leaders agreed to deepen security and economic ties and continue shuttle diplomacy, with Takaichi scheduled to visit South Korea next. On Wednesday, they visited Horyuji Temple in Nara, Takaichi's hometown.
This lighthearted jam session underscores efforts to mend historically strained Japan-South Korea relations.
