South Korean President Apologizes for Abuses in Foreign Adoption Programs
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung issued a formal apology on Thursday, October 2, 2025, for the country's poorly managed foreign adoption programs. This apology acknowledges the widespread abuses and fraud that occurred within these programs, coming months after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission confirmed the state's responsibility for such practices.
President Lee's Apology and Acknowledgement
In a Facebook post, President Lee offered his "heartfelt apology and words of comfort" on behalf of South Korea to those adopted abroad and their families. He admitted that the government failed to protect human rights during international adoptions and expressed his sorrow for the "anxiety, pain, and confusion" suffered by South Korean adoptees sent overseas as children.
"Thinking of the anxiety, pain, and confusion endured by adoptees sent abroad as children weighs heavily on my heart." - President Lee Jae Myung
Findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings, coupled with recent court rulings, have validated numerous cases of human rights abuses within the context of international adoptions. The commission concluded that the government facilitated adoption programs to reduce welfare costs, leading to unethical practices. The report followed a nearly three-year investigation into complaints from 367 adoptees across Europe, the United States, and Australia.
Widespread Fraud and Abuse in Adoption Programs
For years, the fraud and abuse within South Korea's adoption programs have been under scrutiny, particularly concerning adoptions during the 1970s and 1980s. During this period, thousands of children were adopted annually. Many adoptees discovered their records were falsified to portray them as abandoned orphans, while others were removed or even stolen from their birth families. A report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission placed the responsibility for enabling these adoption programs on the government.
South Korea Ratifies the Hague Adoption Convention
In response to these findings, South Korea ratified the Hague Adoption Convention in July 2025, an international treaty designed to protect international adoptions. The treaty officially took effect in South Korea on October 1, 2025. This ratification aims to provide safeguards and regulations for future international adoptions.
Future Actions and Support for Adoptees
President Lee has called for the development of systems to protect the human rights of adoptees and to support their efforts to find their birth parents. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to addressing the past injustices and ensuring a more ethical and transparent approach to international adoptions moving forward. The government faces mounting pressure to implement reforms and offer reparations to those affected.
