Did Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung actually play drums together?

Yes, Prime Minister Takaichi and President Lee surprised audiences with an impromptu jam session, drumming along to K-pop hits.

What K-pop songs did the leaders play during their jam session?

They played 'Dynamite' by BTS and 'Golden' from K-pop Demon Hunters during their drum performance.

What was the purpose of the K-pop drum session between the leaders?

The drum session was a symbolic gesture to deepen bilateral cooperation and foster a more harmonized relationship between Japan and South Korea.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Leaders Drum Up Diplomacy with K-Pop Beat

Leaders Drum Up Diplomacy with K-Pop Beat

14 Jan

•

Summary

Leaders played drum solos to popular K-pop hits.
The impromptu jam session was a planned surprise.
Music served as a metaphor for deepening bilateral ties.

Leaders Drum Up Diplomacy with K-Pop Beat

In an unprecedented display of cultural diplomacy, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung engaged in an impromptu K-pop jam session. Following official discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, the two leaders donned matching athletic jackets and performed energetic drum solos. Their performance included popular tracks like BTS’s “Dynamite,” captured in a video released by Takaichi’s office.

This unique event was a carefully orchestrated surprise, stemming from a prior conversation between the leaders. Takaichi, a former drummer, fulfilled President Lee’s expressed dream of playing the drums. Both leaders drew parallels between musical harmony and diplomatic collaboration, expressing a desire for deeper understanding and cooperation between their nations.

The viral moment offered a lighthearted yet symbolic representation of the improving ties between Japan and South Korea. It emphasized the power of soft power and cultural exchange in fostering positive diplomatic relations, demonstrating that playful engagement can be a potent tool in international relations.