13.01.2026 19:27
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met in Nara, Japan. After the meeting, the two leaders played drums together.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, following a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, noted in a statement on her social media account that the strategic environment surrounding the two countries is becoming increasingly challenging.
Emphasizing the growing importance of Japan-South Korea relations and the trilateral cooperation involving the United States, Takaichi stated, "President Lee and I agreed that we need to work together in cooperation for regional stability. We have decided to deepen our strategic partnership in the fields of economy and economic security."
CRITICAL SUMMIT
Takaichi noted that 'shuttle diplomacy' will be actively pursued to develop relations in a forward-looking and stable manner, and that close communication between the two governments will continue.
SURPRISE DRUM PERFORMANCE BY LEADERS
After the meeting, the two leaders played drums together. Takaichi mentioned that she learned about Lee's dream of playing the drums during last year's APEC Summit and said she prepared a surprise for the guest leader. Takaichi stated, "We played drums together to the songs 'Golden,' which won a Golden Globe, and BTS's 'Dynamite.' President Lee expressed his happiness for being able to realize a dream he has had for many years."
"IT WAS A BIT OF A NOVICE JOB..."
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung humorously responded to Takaichi's gesture on his social media account. Evaluating their performance, Lee said, "It might have been a bit of a novice job, but it was precisely this flaw that made the music session with Prime Minister Takaichi much more harmonious and enjoyable. I also tried to blend in and accompany, but after all, the talent of a professional is something else."
Comparing the harmony in music to diplomatic relations, Lee assessed, "Although our beats may be a bit different, our desire to keep the rhythm was common. We will build the future Korea-Japan relations in the same way, as one heart."