Summary
The investigation into adoption fraud in South Korea reveals that many Korean children adopted into Western countries were procured through unethical practices, including kidnapping and falsification of documents. This extensive inquiry, led by The Associated Press, highlights a systematic failure involving adoption agencies, governments, and the international adoption industry that has left numerous adoptees grappling with the truth about their origins.
The investigation uncovered that approximately 200,000 Korean children were adopted internationally, primarily in the 1970s and 1980s, amid a growing demand for babies in Western countries. Many of these adoptions were facilitated by agencies that operated with little oversight, leading to widespread fraudulent practices. Adoptees have reported being misled about their backgrounds, with some discovering they were not orphans at all, but rather children who had been kidnapped or whose parents were deceived into believing they were relinquishing them for adoption due to fabricated health issues. This has prompted a reckoning within the adoption system, with various countries, including those in Europe, launching investigations and halting international adoptions from South Korea.
Systematic Issues in Adoption Practices
The AP investigation revealed that South Korean adoption agencies often prioritized the needs of prospective adoptive parents over the welfare of children. Documents indicate that agencies paid hospitals for infants, manipulated records, and created a competitive market for children. This led to practices that some have compared to child trafficking, as agencies frequently classified children as abandoned to expedite the adoption process.
Impact on Adoptees and Families
Adoptees like Robert Calabretta and Yooree Kim have shared their personal stories, illustrating the emotional turmoil and identity crises stemming from these fraudulent adoptions. Many adoptees have embarked on journeys to uncover their true origins, often facing significant barriers due to unreliable documentation. The South Korean government has begun to address these issues, accepting a fact-finding commission to investigate past practices, while adoptees continue to seek justice and accountability from both South Korean and Western governments.
International Response and Future Implications
In light of these revelations, several Western countries have reevaluated their international adoption policies. Countries like Denmark and Sweden have halted adoptions from South Korea, while France has acknowledged its own complicity in the systemic issues surrounding these adoptions. The investigation has sparked a broader discussion about the ethics of international adoption and the need for stricter regulations to prevent future abuses.
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