The group will consist of a mix of German and South Korean politicians, as Germany advises South Korea on reunification based on the country's own past experience. The group will include the former foreign minister of East Germany or German Democratic Republic Markus Meckel, Professor Michael Staak, and Dr. Lee Eun Jung among many other experts. The first meeting will take place in Seoul in late October.
The group will aim to answer questions regarding the possibility of reunification and how it can be accomplished. They will also discuss questions asking if the reunification will be peaceful or if it will have to result in the collapse of North Korea. The group will also explore what may need to happen after reunification. North Korea will particularly need help as it will require economic assistance, renovation of its infrastructure, agricultural reforms, introduction of banking systems, etc.
Experts predict that the reunification between North and South Korea will be much more difficult compared to the reunification between East and West Germany, especially since the North Korean citizens have been isolated from the world since the Korean War in 1950. Despite the daunting amount of work that lies ahead for the countries, some experts continue to express hope that reunification can be done.
According to the Deutsche Welle, Rah Jong Yil, former head of the South Korean National Intelligence Service, stated, "It is true that over the years, interest among South Koreans regarding reunification - particularly the younger generation - has declined. [...] But I believe that when the time comes, they will demonstrate their desire for this country to become one again."
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