Lee, Takaichi play drum together after summit in Japan's Nara

▲ President Lee Jae Myung (C) and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) pose for a photo during a dinner hosted by Takaichi in Japan's Nara on Jan. 13, 2026, accompanied by first lady Kim Hea Kyung. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Lee-Takaichi-performance

Lee, Takaichi play drum together after summit in Japan's Nara

By Kim Eun-jung

NARA, Japan, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi played drums together and exchanged drumsticks after their summit in Japan on Tuesday, Cheong Wa Dae said.

The two leaders shared the lighthearted moment after their talks in Nara, Takaichi's hometown and constituency, marking the first time in 15 years that a South Korean president has visited a Japanese city outside Tokyo for a bilateral summit.

During the informal talks, the leaders sat at a drum set made by Japanese manufacturer Pearl and performed "Golden" from the Netflix series "KPop Demon Hunters" as well as K-pop group BTS' hit song "Dynamite" together, presidential spokesperson Kim Nam-joon said in a written briefing.

After the performance, Lee told Takaichi, "I fulfilled a lifelong dream today. Ever since I was young, I have wanted to play the drums."

Takaichi, who is known to have played heavy metal drums in college, guided Lee through the performance, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere, according to Kim.

The two leaders wore a blue uniform prepared by the Japanese side, bearing their names in English and their national flags, symbolizing friendship and mutual respect.

Takaichi also presented Lee with a pair of drumsticks, which the two leaders signed and exchanged.

"The event was specially arranged by the Japanese side to symbolically showcase the rapport and closeness between the two leaders," Kim said. "It turned the informal talks into a unique moment of cultural exchange."

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