Japan and South Korea Leaders Jam Together, Boost Diplomatic Ties

Videos of Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung playing the drums together have sparked significant interest online. The impromptu jam session occurred on January 13, 2024, during a two-day summit in Nara, Takaichi’s home prefecture. Clips of the leaders, dressed in matching electric blue tracksuits, playing popular K-pop tracks, including Dynamite by BTS and Golden from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, quickly circulated on social media.

The South Korean government reported that Takaichi took the initiative to guide Lee on the drums, showcasing her passion for music. A former drummer in a heavy metal band, Takaichi expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, which she had planned as a surprise after Lee shared his long-held dream of playing the drums during their previous meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

As the videos spread, viewers offered a mix of humorous critiques of the leaders’ drumming skills and positive commentary on their light-hearted approach to diplomacy. Many expressed their appreciation for the humanizing moment, suggesting that such interactions are preferable to what some referred to as “unnecessary domestic infighting.” Online users even playfully suggested that Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong should join in on guitar.

Lee Jae Myung took to X (formerly Twitter) the following day to thank Takaichi for the thoughtful gesture. He described the experience as initially “awkward,” but noted that the rhythm eventually came together, allowing him to express himself through music. He drew a parallel between their musical collaboration and the evolving relationship between South Korea and Japan, emphasizing the importance of respecting each other’s differences and fostering deeper cooperation. Lee concluded with a hopeful message: “I hope we can get closer step by step.”

Strengthening Ties Through Engagement

The summit was designed to bolster diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan, with both leaders engaging in discussions aimed at fostering cooperation in various sectors. The South Korean presidential office noted that Lee would participate in additional diplomatic events, including meetings with South Korean residents in Japan.

Amidst escalating tensions in East Asia, particularly in the context of Japan’s recent remarks regarding potential military responses to threats from China, the discussions focused on enhancing security and economic collaboration. Takaichi and Lee addressed critical issues such as industrial supply chains, artificial intelligence, and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. They reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside the United States, a mutual ally, to promote regional stability.

In her post on X, Takaichi highlighted the growing significance of Japan-South Korea relations and cooperation with the United States, particularly in light of a more challenging strategic environment. Both leaders expressed their intention to deepen their partnership for future endeavors.

While the exact date for Takaichi’s anticipated visit to South Korea for their next meeting has yet to be confirmed, the recent summit marks a notable step towards improving bilateral relations. The collaborative drumming session serves as a reminder of the potential for personal connections to enhance diplomatic ties in a complex geopolitical landscape.