Japan, South Korea leaders boost ties through diplomacy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung showcased an unusual display of camaraderie during a summit in Nara, Japan, by performing a drum set duet to K-pop hits. The surprise cultural exchange was initiated by Takaichi, an avid drummer and heavy metal fan, who arranged the jam session for Lee, who had expressed his dream to play the drums during their meeting at APEC the previous year. The event highlighted the improving relations between Japan and South Korea, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation and moving forward despite historical tensions. The duet was well-received on social media, with users from both countries praising the gesture as a step towards improving bilateral relations.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve Parliament's lower house and call a snap election to strengthen her coalition's position and secure voter backing for her agenda. Takaichi's approval ratings remain high at around 70%, and she aims to capitalize on this to gain additional seats in Parliament. The move is seen as a way to expand her Liberal Democratic Party's share of seats and strengthen its position alongside its new junior coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party. Opposition lawmakers have criticized the plan as self-serving, saying it would delay urgent parliamentary debate over the national budget.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has taken a 'pragmatic approach' to reset ties with China and Japan through back-to-back visits to both countries amidst rising tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. Lee met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and emphasized the need for cooperation between South Korea, Japan, and the US for regional peace and stability. He also stressed the importance of working with China and identifying common ground among the three nations. Analysts view Lee's moves as a pragmatic approach to navigate the complex diplomatic landscape.