Breaking Boundaries in Literature: The Nobel Prize and Korea's Untold Stories

Chapter 2.2 The Clash of Ideology and Reality

The city we arrived in was Berlin, the capital of Germany, known for its vibrant cultural exchange with Korea. Berlin, with its concentration of cultural institutions, media, and art organizations, was a fitting place for intellectual and artistic collaboration. The German officials we met greeted us politely from the moment we stepped off the plane, drawing connections between the shared historical wounds and cultural intersections of Korea and Germany. As the symbolic city of reunification, Berlin allowed us to feel the common experience of division and pain even more deeply through their explanations.

The car glided smoothly through the streets of Berlin, making our way toward Humboldt University, renowned for producing esteemed scholars and a perfect setting for our research. There, a comprehensive project focused on philosophy and history was set to unfold, marking the beginning of our academic journey.

After introducing us to the university, the German officials escorted us to our accommodations in the Mitte district. Mitte lies at the heart of Berlin, rich with the history and culture of Germany. Once we arrived at our lodgings, we received further details about our research schedule and prepared for the next day. After the briefing, I headed to my room on the third floor while Maya went to the fourth. Although she was likely accustomed to Europe, I found this place quite unfamiliar—and with it, an overwhelming sense of curiosity.

The moment I unpacked my bags, I wanted to explore the city, but it was hard to bring it up with Maya, who looked tired. After hesitating, I texted her: "Maya, I'd love to take a look around the city. Would you like to join me?"

Ten minutes later, my phone buzzed. "I'm a bit tired, to be honest, but I'd love to go. Since it's your first time here, I want to show you around."

Even at this late hour, people sat in cafés sipping coffee, and others strolled along the narrow alleyways, engaging in lively conversations. As I gazed at the unfamiliar streets and the German signs I couldn't quite comprehend, my worries faded away with the comforting presence of Maya beside me. "I'm so glad you're here, Maya. I wouldn't have managed to walk around this place alone. My English isn't even that great... haha."

She lightly tapped my shoulder. "You don't need to worry, Jun. I'm here for you. Just enjoy the moment."

The alleyways were narrow and winding, lined with various shops that tempted our curiosity. Through the glass windows, I could see the cozy glow of a small bookstore, faded murals painted on walls, and snippets of conversations in German wafting through the air. Each aspect of this experience felt strikingly new to me. We walked along the streets until we found a bench tucked away on one side. The night air felt cool against my skin, yet the vibrancy of Berlin wrapped around us like a warm embrace. "This city is truly captivating. I wish we had more time today..."

"Me too. I love it here. Mitte always feels special. We'll see so much more while we're here," Maya replied, her gaze drifting toward the distant street.

The following morning, we traveled with the research team to the Berlin Wall. The officials guiding us elaborated on various challenges Germany faced after reunification. They detailed the social and economic disparities that arose during the integration process, as well as the cultural conflicts stemming from the differences between East and West Germany.

"Someday, Korea will reunite too," one of the researchers remarked quietly. Professors and team members nodded in agreement, and Maya listened intently.

As I gazed at the remnants of the wall, I found myself imagining the barbed wire and the ruins that once stood here, separating lives. Suddenly, a thought struck me. If Germany and Korea, though thousands of kilometers apart geographically, were neighbors in a parallel universe, could their reunification process serve as a warning to us? Or perhaps a guide? What conflicts and pains might lie beneath the surface of a world post-unification?