Drum duet featuring leaders of Japan and South Korea

Decked out in matching blue jackets, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday played drums to the beats of K-pop hits, the BBC writes.

A surreal drum duet between two East Asian world leaders has set the internet abuzz – and put a spotlight on Japan and South Korea’s diplomatic relationship.

The performance, a nod to Takaichi’s past life as a drummer in a heavy metal band, wrapped up Lee’s official visit to Japan this week.

It’s also part of Lee’s diplomatic overtures to regional powers including Japan.

During Lee’s visit to Nara, Takaichi’s hometown, he gifted the Japanese prime minister a drum set. The two leaders also exchanged signed drumsticks after their performance.

“When we met at APEC last year, [Lee] said it was his dream to play the drums, so we prepared a surprise,” Takaichi later wrote on X.