K-pop drum duet between Japan and South Korea's leaders caps off summit talks

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 14, 2026 at 07:57 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi engaged in a K-pop drum duet during Lee's official visit to Japan this week. The performance, featuring songs like BTS's "Dynamite," capped off summit talks in Nara, Takaichi's hometown, and was a nod to Takaichi's musical background. Lee gifted Takaichi a drum set and they exchanged signed drumsticks. The event is part of Lee's diplomatic efforts to strengthen relations with Japan, despite historical tensions, as both countries share a security alliance with the US and seek to counter China's regional influence. The leaders also agreed to enhance economic cooperation amid China's export restrictions. The drumming session has garnered positive reactions online, with many seeing it as a symbol of improved relations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

APEC 30% BTS 40% Nara 40% United States ×260% China ×270% South Korea ×690% Lee Jae Myung ×590% Sanae Takaichi ×590% Japan ×890%

Keywords

k-pop drum duet 90% japan-south korea relations 80% diplomatic relationship 70% lee jae myung 60% sanae takaichi 60% summit talks 50% security alliance 50% regional powers 40% economic cooperation 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.40

Source Transparency

Source

BBC News - World

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Japan

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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k-pop drum duet japan-south korea relations diplomatic relationship lee jae myung sanae takaichi summit talks security alliance regional powers economic cooperation

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