Japan and South Korea’s leaders turn diplomacy into a K-pop jam

Japan and South Korea’s leaders ended their latest summit with an unexpected cultural moment that quickly went viral: a live K-pop drum jam.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung sat behind full drum kits and played along to global hits including BTS’s “Dynamite” and “Golden” from the Netflix musical K-Pop Demon Hunters.

The light-hearted performance followed formal talks in Nara, Japan, where the two sides discussed issues ranging from economic cooperation and industrial supply chains to regional security and stability in East Asia.

The musical exchange was more than just entertainment. It was carefully choreographed diplomacy. Takaichi, a longtime fan of heavy metal and an avid drummer, organized the surprise after learning that Lee had dreamed of playing the drums since childhood. After the performance, the two leaders exchanged personalized drumsticks as symbolic gifts, reinforcing the message of mutual respect and shared rhythm.

The moment came amid a warming phase in Japan–South Korea relations, which have improved in recent years as both governments place greater emphasis on cooperation over long-standing historical disputes.