Takaichi Says, "I Was Debating Drinking Due to Parliament Schedule"... President Lee Jokes, "Should I Make a Call?"

President Lee Jaemyung Shares Laughter with Prime Minister Takaichi at Post-Summit Dinner

Friendly Atmosphere Marked by Lighthearted Jokes

Takaichi: "I Hope the Next Meeting Is in a Japanese Hot Spring City"

Lee: "If I Say I Want to Go, Will It Happen Right Away?" Prompting Laughter

President Lee Jaemyung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi engaged in a warm and friendly conversation during the dinner that followed their summit meeting on the 19th.

According to a written briefing by Kang Yoojeong, Chief Presidential Spokesperson, Prime Minister Takaichi remarked during the dinner, "I was really debating whether I should drink alcohol tonight since I have a parliamentary schedule tomorrow." In response, President Lee joked, "Should I make a call so you can stay for one more day?" prompting laughter among the attendees.

President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are entering the press conference venue for a joint press briefing at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongbuk on May 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

Prime Minister Takaichi also shared that she was deeply impressed by the citizens of Andong who welcomed them on the streets while moving to the meeting venue. She was particularly struck by the size of the election banners hanging throughout the city, noting that they were larger than those in Japan, and she asked President Lee if it was currently election season.

Prime Minister Takaichi further suggested, "I hope the next shuttle diplomacy can take place in a local hot spring city in Japan." President Lee responded with a humorous remark, "If I say I want to visit a hot spring, will it happen right away?" which drew laughter from the participants.

During his dinner speech, President Lee said, "It is even more meaningful to welcome Prime Minister Takaichi here in my hometown, Andong," and added, "Having met four times in about seven months since Prime Minister Takaichi took office, it seems the bond between the two leaders has deepened," as relayed by Chief Spokesperson Kang.

President Lee specifically recalled that during his visit to Nara, Japan, last January, Prime Minister Takaichi personally taught him to play the drums. He commented that the candid communication and rapport between the two leaders are having a positive impact on the development of bilateral relations.

He went on to emphasize, "I hope our two countries will become not 'close yet distant neighbors,' but 'close and even closer partners' based on mutual trust and solidarity," adding that he expects this dinner to serve as an opportunity to further deepen exchanges and friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed great interest in Korea's oil price cap and consumption coupon policies, and reportedly asked President Lee directly about their implementation methods and scope, according to Chief Spokesperson Kang.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.