Watch the Leaders of Japan and South Korea Jam to K-pop on the Drums

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Javier C. HernándezJanuary 14, 2026 at 11:11 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

On January 14, 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hosted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Nara, Japan, for a summit aimed at reinforcing ties amid political and economic uncertainty. Following discussions on topics like nuclear weapons and economic security, Takaichi, an amateur drummer, invited Lee to join her for an impromptu K-pop drumming session. The two leaders, wearing matching track jackets, played along to hits like "Dynamite" by BTS and "Golden" by "KPop Demon Hunters." The performance, lasting approximately 20 minutes, was intended to symbolize warming relations between Japan and South Korea, who are both navigating challenges related to the foreign policy of the United States and China's growing influence. The two countries have historically struggled to build a close relationship due to the legacy of World War II.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% Yonhap News 30% Nara 30% World War II ×240% Korean Peninsula ×240% China 50% United States 50% BTS ×260% South Korea ×780% Japan ×780% Sanae Takaichi ×590% Lee Jae Myung ×590%

Keywords

japan south korea relations 90% k-pop 80% warming ties 70% summit meeting 70% drum diplomacy 60% economic uncertainty 60% political uncertainty 60% world war ii legacy 50% foreign policy 50%