Updated

German Chancellor Merz wished for a united Korea during a recent visit to the country, Deutsche Welle reported on November 2, 2026. The report questions whether Seoul truly wants reunification, given the deep division between the two Koreas. Deutsche Welle drew a comparison with Germany, which was itself once divided by rival political systems and a heavily fortified border. The outlet said such hopes for unity seem faint, and the excerpt gives no further detail on the chancellor's remarks or any official response from Seoul.