On the first day of talks in Japan, the leaders of two regional neighbors decided to go beyond standard diplomacy: they drew an unconventional opening, staging a drum improvisation with performances of K-pop hits on a drum kit. Such a show became a symbol of a new wave of diplomacy, where culture and music serve as bridges between countries.
Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takoychi and President of South Korea Lee Jae-myeong appeared in matching light blue tracksuits, kicking off a round of drumming on six Pearl drum kits to the rhythms of K-pop.
Together they wowed the audience, performing BTS “Dynamite” and the track “Golden” from the Netflix film “KPop Demon Hunters” – a moment that drew attention to the drum stage.
For Lee, it was a dream come true.
“Today I fulfilled my lifelong dream. Playing the drums has been my dream since childhood.”
– Lee Jae-myeong
Takoychi’s love of drums goes back to childhood, and she planned a surprise for the guest after the South Korean leader last year at the APEC summit in South Korea said that “drums are his dream” – she posted this message online.
Lee Jae-myeong told Takoychi that it was “not easy to keep up with the tempo,” but in a subsequent post on X he expressed hope that South Korea and Japan would be able to grow closer “just as we respect each other’s differences and adapt to our rhythm.”
The meeting took place in the Nara region in central Japan and marked the third round between the leaders since Takoychi became Japan’s first female prime minister in October 2025. They discussed a range of issues – from supply chains in industry and artificial intelligence to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and cooperation with the United States.
“We agreed on the importance of cooperation between Korea and Japan, between Korea and the United States and Japan for regional peace and stability, in light of the rapidly changing international situation.”
– Lee Jae-myeong
Relations between Japan and Korea have recently warmed a bit: the leaders are focusing on the economy and security, rather than solely on historical issues related to Japan’s colonial past on the Korean Peninsula in past decades.
Lee’s outlook for future cooperation appears more pragmatic compared to his predecessor: he adheres to a course of strengthening partnership and mutual respect while taking differences into account. Since coming to power in June, he has been attentive to ensuring Japan remains an “indispensable partner” for Korea, as well as for its allies.
During the drum diplomacy, the exchange of gifts also took place: Takoychi gave Lee drumsticks with his name; Lee, in return, gave sticks with lacquered inlay and a drum set from the Korean brand Markers. In addition, he gave Takoychi a lacquered dinnerware set, and a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra as a gesture of health support.
Lee has a reputation for giving gifts that impress world leaders. Last year he already presented Donald Trump with a replica of a gold crown inspired by the kingdoms of ancient Silla, and to Xi Jinping a wooden Go board.
Impact on the future of cooperation
Such actions highlight a new format of diplomacy, where music and cultural exchange become soft power to strengthen partner relations in the region. The next steps for both countries are likely to focus on expanding economic cooperation, technological initiatives, and aligning security approaches within the region.
As a result, drum “dramadiplomacy” became not just entertainment but a signal of a new era of engagement between Japan and Korea – two countries where culture can be a bridge to pragmatic and mutually beneficial partnership.