Reunified Germany in No Rush to Aid Korea’s Reconciliation, Says Reuters

By Madeline Chambers

BERLIN – Politicians and advocates are calling on Germany to apply the lessons learned from its own reunification to assist in bridging the gap between North and South Korea. However, Berlin appears to be hesitant to take immediate action on this matter.

The anticipation surrounding an upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has rekindled hopes for a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, which has remained divided since the Korean War ended in a truce more than 65 years ago.

In light of this optimism, diplomats, politicians, and experts in foreign policy suggest that Germany, which maintains an embassy in Pyongyang, should actively pursue backdoor channels for negotiations, provide guidance on treaty discussions, and foster dialogue. Yet, many feel that Germany is not meeting these expectations.

"Germany has a special role to play. Germany and the city of Berlin symbolize reunification for most Koreans," remarked South Korea’s ambassador to Germany, Jong Bum Goo. He expressed concern that the German government remains relatively passive in integrating North Korea into the international sphere.

Despite this passivity at the governmental level, some former leaders of Communist East Germany, along with the Free University of Berlin, parliamentarians, and civil society organizations, are engaging with North Korea to share insights from the German reunification experience nearly 30 years ago.

While a German-style reunification of Korea is not on the table, experts believe that a calming of tensions could lead to a peace agreement that stabilizes Northeast Asia.

According to a senior South Korean diplomat, the South Korean government has not made specific requests of Berlin, but appreciates Germany’s continuing support for inter-Korean reconciliation. Nonetheless, many experts argue that Germany, one of the few nations with diplomatic ties to both North and South Korea and historical contacts dating back to the days of East Germany, is not doing enough.

Hans Modrow, the last Communist leader of East Germany, has remained actively engaged in this issue. He criticized Chancellor Angela Merkel’s approach, emphasizing that while the U.S. engages directly with North Korea, Germany has not established direct communication through its foreign minister. "More engagement is necessary to achieve peace and security in Korea," said Modrow.

Others share this sentiment. Nataly Jung-Hwa Han, head of the Korea Association in Berlin, called for bolder actions from the German foreign ministry, advocating that Germany should leverage its status as a reunited country to support dialogue and exchanges.

Germany’s current stance reflects its cautiousness in taking on a global role since World War II. Merkel’s foreign policy, which is heavily rooted in multilateralism and aligns closely with the European Union’s framework, has led to a focus on sanctions aimed at halting North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

This criticism of Germany comes in the wake of South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s appeal for support during his visit to Berlin 18 months ago, where he asserted that the conclusion of the Cold War that began in Berlin would culminate in peace on the Korean Peninsula. Last year, Moon sought European support for potentially easing sanctions on North Korea, contingent upon progress in denuclearization, but did not achieve a consensus during his meeting with the EU.

Merkel has expressed a commitment to fostering a peaceful resolution regarding North Korea’s nuclear issues, but there has been little follow-through. A forum involving German and Korean youth recently emphasized the need for actions to accompany statements, suggesting that Germany and the EU could play a more consultative role.

Recent efforts toward reconciliation have led to three summits, a military agreement aimed at reducing tensions, and increased family reunions. The joint participation of North and South Korea in last year’s Winter Olympics has spurred economic, cultural, and personal exchanges, resonating with Germans who remember the peaceful dismantling of the Berlin Wall.

Experts like Bernt Berger from a Berlin think tank lament the lack of a proactive German stance, given that South Korea seeks German support as a country that understands their situation.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited South Korea in July, highlighting at the Demilitarized Zone Berlin’s support for reconciliation, and the foreign ministry has indicated a willingness to back reconciliation efforts, although it maintains that any initiatives must be led by the Koreas themselves.

Interest among Germans regarding the Korean situation is evident, particularly as they reflect on their own history of reunification, which followed decades of rapprochement initiated by West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. Furthermore, academic institutions in Germany see opportunities for cooperation, such as a recent agreement between Berlin’s Free University and Kim Il Sung University to collaborate in social sciences.

However, Modrow warns against viewing Germany as a model for Korea, noting that after three decades of reunification, socioeconomic disparities persist. He emphasizes the importance of supporting North Korea’s economic development to prevent issues similar to the rise of nationalism seen in Germany.

The South Korean ambassador notes two key lessons from Germany for Korea: that reconciliation is the pathway to change and that while reunification is complex, it is a goal worth pursuing. "We hold on to the belief that what belongs together will grow together," he stated.