Recent media reports regarding adoptions from Korea during the 1980s have understandably raised questions and concerns, especially among adoptees and families whose adoptions were completed during that time. We recognize that these reports are deeply unsettling, and we have profound compassion for the individuals whose stories were told in the media — as well as all adoptees and families who are feeling difficult and complex emotions as a result of this coverage.
Any reports of unethical or illegal adoption practices are alarming and can understandably lead some adoptees and their families to question the legitimacy of their adoptions. These reports highlight serious concerns, and we do not take these concerns lightly or dismiss the fact that mistakes were likely made — especially given the urgency to find families for the significant number of children who otherwise would have grown up in orphanages. While it’s important to clarify that Holt Children’s Services of Korea became a separate entity from Holt International in 1977, and Holt International was just one of many agencies and private parties facilitating adoptions from Korea throughout the 1980s, we stand committed to supporting all adoptees and families who are seeking answers and needing assistance.
While the anecdotal stories shared in the Frontline documentary are heartbreaking, they do not however tell the full story of international adoption from Korea and they omit important context surrounding the culture of shame and stigma toward unwed mothers by their families and communities that caused so many women to relinquish their children for adoption during that era — and still today. The news coverage also fails to acknowledge the reality for thousands of children in Korea of a childhood spent in an orphanage if they did not join a family through adoption. That was true then, and it’s true today.
At Holt International, our priority has always been to act in the best interests of the child. Our practices align with the ethical standards set forth by the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. We first focus on helping children thrive within their birth families through family strengthening and reunification programs, which provide support and resources to families in need. When family preservation is not possible, we strive to unite children with a domestic adoptive family within the child’s birth country. Only when these options are no longer viable do we consider intercountry adoption, with a particular focus on children with special needs or medical conditions — who are often the children left behind in orphanages when younger, healthier children join families domestically in their birth countries.
While we still help children join families through a limited number of intercountry adoptions today, our focus has shifted toward family preservation. This includes providing programs that empower single mothers to parent their children, support individuals with disabilities, and provide resources for youth aging out of orphanages. These programs are designed to ensure children can remain in loving, stable environments whenever possible.
We also want to emphasize that significant reforms were made to Korean adoption laws after 1988, prompted by changes in Korean society and government. These reforms introduced stronger safeguards and accountability in adoption practices, which are now closely monitored to ensure transparency and ethical compliance.
We are taking the concerns of adoptees seriously. Our team is engaged in ongoing discussions about how we can offer more resources and support to adoptees who are seeking answers or assistance. We understand that this is a deeply personal and emotional journey for many, and we are committed to walking alongside them. We will be sharing more about these resources in the near future.
What remains unchanged is our belief that every child deserves a permanent, loving home. Under no circumstances would Holt International condone unethical or coercive activities in adoption. Our commitment to respecting the rights of birth parents, adoptees and adoptive families remains unwavering.
We are here to listen. If you have questions or concerns, we welcome the opportunity to engage with you directly. Please contact us at [email protected].
Did you know Holt provides support to all adoptees?
Every adoptee has a unique and complex life experience. Holt strives to support all adoptees, regardless of their placing agency, by providing help with birth search, citizenship and more.
