Lingering Questions Haunt Korean Adoptees
Kathryn Roelofs, adopted from South Korea in 1984, grew up in a loving American home but still questions her identity. Like many Korean adoptees, she wrestles with the gap between gratitude for her upbringing and sorrow over a lost heritage. Her story mirrors the experiences of thousands who were adopted internationally, often without full consent from their birth parents.
Government and Agency Fraud Uncovered
A 2024 Associated Press investigation revealed disturbing truths about South Korea’s past adoption practices. The government, in cooperation with agencies, took children under false pretenses—sometimes kidnapping them or deceiving parents into believing their babies had died. A government audit confirmed hospitals were paid to provide infants for adoption.
Global Outcry Sparks Policy Change
In response, South Korea has reformed its adoption laws. As of October 1, international adoption is only permitted when domestic placement has failed and the government determines that overseas adoption is in the child’s best interest. These changes align with South Korea’s ratification of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.
Evangelical Roots Under Scrutiny
Christian adoption agencies like Holt Children’s Services are at the center of fraud allegations. While some defend the agencies’ historical intentions, critics argue their work prioritized Western placement over ethical standards. Holt International denies wrongdoing, but adoptees say their falsified records erased vital parts of their identity.
Churches and Activists Call for Reform
Christian leaders in South Korea are reevaluating the church’s role. Activists like Kim Do-hyun urge churches to support single mothers and confront stigma around domestic adoption—others, like pastor Oh Chang-hwa, stress redefining family around love, not bloodlines. Many Korean churches have been criticized for failing to engage marginalized women or address systemic poverty, which led many single mothers to relinquish their children under pressure.
Healing the Wounds of Separation
Adoptees like Cam Lee Small and Roelofs are still processing the emotional aftermath of their experiences. For Roelofs, her Korean name—Tae Hee Jung, meaning “May she have joy”—offers spiritual comfort. Leaving her photo and contact info in her adoption file, she hopes her birth mother may one day see the life that grew from a prayer.
Source:
‘Every Adoptee’s Worst Nightmare’
Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash
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