You've revealed an underbelly of adoption. As for that huge uptick in foreign adoptions in 1987, one might assume that people around the world were suddenly learning more about South Korea because it was in the news for the upcoming Olympics. Whether there was a nefarious black market suddenly established because of that spotlight, one can only hope not. Thank you for sharing the name of services like 325 KAMRA, https://www.325kamra.org
I also saw an informative documentary on Korean adoptees https://youtu.be/1eGyXcda-Cc?si=nMATgEIYPvCK5Db1 - "This conversation explores this little-known history and the eventual adoption of approximately 200,000 Korean children worldwide. The event features Professor Kori Graves, whose book, “A War Born Family: African American Adoption in the Wake of the Korean War,” explores how Black American soldiers came to adopt Black Korean children, in conversation with Korean adoptees Dr. Estelle Cooke-Sampson, Lisa Jackson, and filmmaker Deann Borshay Liem."
Emile Mack, the former Deputy Chief of LA Fire Department, was one of those Korean adoptees who grew up in an African-American family in south central LA. His story is quite well-known in Korean circles in LA because of his background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGnADyghHSs
Yes, very tragic. And very infuriating. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Gyong-ha is actually one of the lucky ones to have found her family, after all that's happened.
This is excellent reporting. Well done!
Thank you for your comments!
You've revealed an underbelly of adoption. As for that huge uptick in foreign adoptions in 1987, one might assume that people around the world were suddenly learning more about South Korea because it was in the news for the upcoming Olympics. Whether there was a nefarious black market suddenly established because of that spotlight, one can only hope not. Thank you for sharing the name of services like 325 KAMRA, https://www.325kamra.org
I also saw an informative documentary on Korean adoptees https://youtu.be/1eGyXcda-Cc?si=nMATgEIYPvCK5Db1 - "This conversation explores this little-known history and the eventual adoption of approximately 200,000 Korean children worldwide. The event features Professor Kori Graves, whose book, “A War Born Family: African American Adoption in the Wake of the Korean War,” explores how Black American soldiers came to adopt Black Korean children, in conversation with Korean adoptees Dr. Estelle Cooke-Sampson, Lisa Jackson, and filmmaker Deann Borshay Liem."
Emile Mack, the former Deputy Chief of LA Fire Department, was one of those Korean adoptees who grew up in an African-American family in south central LA. His story is quite well-known in Korean circles in LA because of his background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGnADyghHSs
How do we define identity?
"나는 흑인일까? [Am I black?]
아시안일까? [Am I Asian?]" - from video
or are we spiritual beings having a human experience in all its diversity, individuality, and uniqueness?
Thank you for sharing this video.
Heartbreaking and shocking, but so important to know. Thank you.
Yes, very tragic. And very infuriating. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Gyong-ha is actually one of the lucky ones to have found her family, after all that's happened.