Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Leaders drum to K-pop hits
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had a meeting to talk about important things like security and the economy.
After their meeting, they did something fun together: they played drums to some popular K-pop songs.
They even posted a video of it online.
They said they want to keep working together and visit each other's countries.
They also visited a famous temple in Japan to show their friendship.
The drum session was a surprise planned by Takaichi, as Lee had mentioned his dream of playing the drums.
Both leaders felt the performance helped them connect on a personal level beyond official discussions.
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ended their summit with a drum session to K-pop hits.
The two leaders played drums together in a video posted on the Japanese PM's office YouTube channel.
They visited Horyuji Temple in Nara, Takaichi's hometown, to foster a friendlier relationship.
Both leaders aim to deepen security and economic ties amid growing tensions in East Asia.
They plan to continue 'shuttle diplomacy' with Takaichi next due to visit South Korea.
- Who
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- What
- Ended their summit with a drum session to K-pop hits
- When
- Tuesday, with a video posted on Wednesday morning
- Where
- Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan
- Why
- To foster a friendlier relationship and deepen security and economic ties
- Leaders
- Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- Event
- Drum session with K-pop hits
- Location
- Horyuji Temple, Nara, Japan
- Diplomatic Goals
- Deepen security and economic ties
- Next Steps
- Shuttle diplomacy with Takaichi visiting South Korea next
- Songs Played
- Golden from K-POP Demon Hunters and BTS's Dynamite
- Significance
- Symbolic performance to foster friendship and cooperation
Sources
Takaichi and Lee end first day of summit on a high note with drum session
Japan, South Korea Leaders Drum Up Viral Moment With K-Pop Jam
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi, South Korean president Lee Jae Myung drum to BTS hit in viral video
What is drumstick diplomacy? Leaders of Japan and South Korea cap summit with surprise K-pop duet
WATCH | Japanese PM and S Korean President strike a chord with K-pop drumming session
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi & South Korea President Drum Jam Together On BTS' 'Dynamite' & More; Video Goes Viral
