Drumstick diplomacy for Japan and South Korea as leaders bang out K-pop hits
Drumstick diplomacy for Japan and South Korea as leaders bang out K-pop hits
https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/14/asia/japan-south-korea-leaders-play-drums-intl-hnk
Publish Date: 2026-01-14 02:16:00
Source Domain: www.cnn.com
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung engaged in an unconventional diplomatic activity by drumming out popular K-pop songs during their first day of talks in Japan.
- They played on Pearl drum kits, performing hits like BTS’s “Dynamite” and “Golden” from the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, fulfilling Lee’s childhood dream of drumming.
- The meeting highlighted the growing economic and security cooperation between Japan and South Korea despite historical tensions stemming from Japan’s colonial past.
- Both leaders discussed various issues, including industrial supply chains, artificial intelligence, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and cooperation with the United States.
- Lee’s diplomatic style has been more balanced and inclusive of historical issues compared to his predecessor, emphasizing Japan as an indispensable partner.
- The leaders exchanged gifts, reflecting cultural appreciation and personal connections, with Takaichi gifting Lee engraved drumsticks and Lee giving Takaichi’s husband Korean-made items.
