Drumming Up Diplomacy
Following a summit in Nara, Japan, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi decided to unwind by playing drums. They had some fun with K-pop songs, particularly tracks from the popular Netflix anime “K-Pop Demon Hunters.”
Takaichi, who is not only Japan’s first female prime minister but also has a background in heavy metal, mentioned on social media how she first met Lee at the Asia-Pacific Economic Council (APEC) summit. After he expressed a desire to play the drums in South Korea, she surprised him with a drum lesson post-meeting. Sounds like they really enjoyed themselves.
According to Kyodo News, their jam session featured hits like BTS’s “Dynamite” and “Golden” by the fictional K-pop girl group Huntrix, from the aforementioned anime. It seems this fictional group is doing exceptionally well, perhaps even overshadowing the real bands for some time.
The Korea Herald pointed out that “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is a collaborative effort involving Korean, Japanese, and American creators, which adds an interesting layer of geopolitical symbolism to their song choices.
Takaichi remarked that Lee managed to play the drums quite well in a matter of minutes, noting she was impressed by his natural ability. Lee himself acknowledged a bit of awkwardness at first but felt more at ease as he played. He shared that drumming has long been a dream of his, expressing gratitude for Takaichi’s thoughtful gesture.
He also reflected on the importance of respect and mutual understanding, hoping that Korea and Japan can deepen their collaboration and connections.
The meeting between Takaichi and Lee occurred during a complex backdrop of diplomatic shifts in East Asia, particularly amid China’s attempts to sway South Korea away from the U.S. alliance. Just a week prior, Lee had visited China.
Takaichi surprisingly greeted Lee in person upon his arrival in Nara, bowing deeply—an act that piqued the interest of Chinese analysts, curious about its implications for international relations.
A Chinese state official commented on the differing perspectives in statements from Japan and South Korea, highlighting Japan’s inclination to alleviate historical grievances while South Korea emphasizes the importance of addressing ongoing territorial issues. Meanwhile, analysis from the China Institute of International Affairs pointed out that Lee’s prioritization of China over Japan in his visit hints at a strategic aim to rebuild trust with China, a relationship strained by the previous South Korean administration.
Some observers remain skeptical about Takaichi’s ability to resolve long-standing tensions, such as those regarding the treatment of “comfort women” during World War II.
