Japan’s Sanae Takaichi and South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung Meet in Nara

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met in the city of Nara, Japan. After the meeting, the two leaders played drums together.

Following the summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized on social media that the strategic environment surrounding the two countries is becoming increasingly challenging. Takaichi underscored the growing importance of trilateral cooperation between Japan, South Korea, and the United States, stating, “President Lee and I agreed on the need for collaboration for regional stability. We have decided to deepen strategic partnership in the fields of economy and economic security.”

Takaichi mentioned that ‘shuttle diplomacy’ will be actively pursued to develop relations for the future in a stable manner and emphasized that close communication between the two governments will continue.

Surprise Drum Performance from the Leaders

After the meeting, the two leaders played the drums together. Takaichi revealed that she learned about Lee’s dream of playing the drums at last year’s APEC Summit and prepared a surprise for the guest leader. They played the drums together to the tunes of the Golden Globe-winning song ‘Golden’ and BTS’s ‘Dynamite.’ Takaichi stated, “President Lee expressed happiness for being able to realize his long-standing dream.”

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung responded to Takaichi’s gesture humorously on social media. Evaluating their performance, Lee said, “It might have been a bit amateurish, but with that very flaw, it turned into a much more harmonious and enjoyable music session with Prime Minister Takaichi. I tried to join in and accompany, but after all, the talent of a professional is different.”

Comparing their harmony in music to diplomatic relations, Lee commented, “Although our striking tempos were slightly different, our desire to catch the rhythm was mutual. We will build future-oriented Korea-Japan relations in the same way, with one heart.”