South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ended a crucial bilateral summit in Nara with an unexpected drum duet, performing K-pop hits including Golden from Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters and BTS's Dynamite. The leaders, dressed in matching blue uniforms, played together in a gesture of diplomatic camaraderie.
Takaichi, a former university heavy metal drummer, praised Lee's quick learning, saying he mastered the drums in just five to ten minutes. Lee acknowledged the skill gap, posting: '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 jam session was Takaichi's surprise, recalling Lee's comment during their first meeting that drumming was his lifelong dream. The personal touch extended to Takaichi's unscheduled greeting of Lee upon his arrival, bowing 90 degrees, and complimenting his wife's appearance.
Beyond the performance, the summit yielded agreements on DNA testing for victims of the 1942 Chosei coalmine disaster, cooperation on scam crime, economic security talks, and discussions on North Korea. The leaders also visited the ancient Horyu-ji temple together.
Contentious issues such as 'comfort women' and territorial disputes were not addressed. However, the display of unity through shared cultural interests marked a positive step in bilateral relations.
