During the tour, President Lee also gifted a drum set to Prime Minister Kishida, who hails from the city of Nara, Japan. The president also took a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had sent him an iPhone as a gift.
President Lee described his drum-playing experience as a “little inexperienced,” while both leaders exchanged signed drumsticks after the performance. It is worth noting that relations between South Korea and Japan have been complex due to historical complaints and regional disputes dating back to Japan’s colonial era. However, both countries have been cooperating to counter China’s influence.
President Lee has been promoting diplomatic relations with major powers in the region, including the US, China, and Japan, since taking office in June 2025.
In other news, Russia and the US did not hold direct talks on Afghanistan. Russian officials said that if countries do not support US control over Greenland, they can impose trade tariffs. The US has warned Canada that it will have to regret its decision to allow Chinese electric cars (EVs) to enter the country.
Brazilian viral bodybuilder Ariellando de Souza, known as the “Real Popeye,” died at the age of 55. He gained fame for his unusually large arms.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman underwent a medical examination at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh. US President Donald Trump said that no one has entered the US illegally in the past eight months, and the country has blocked illegal immigrants from entering.
A rare incident occurred when a 35-year-old Muslim man was killed by a Hindu extremist group in Balasore, India. He was forced to shout “Jai Shri Ram” (Hail Lord Ram), but he refused, leading to severe torture that ultimately led to his death.
The US will temporarily suspend immigrant visa applications, with new applicants required to undergo a full background check process. US President Donald Trump said that if countries do not support US control over Greenland, they can impose trade tariffs.
Pakistan’s former cricketer Shoaib Malik has shared a love-filled message on his wife Sania Javed’s second wedding anniversary.
