ADOPTEE KNOWLEDGE
HUB
TRC Resources
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in South Korea was established in 2005 to investigate and reveal the truth about past human rights violations and injustices that took place during Korea's turbulent history. TRC3 has passed in Korean Parliament and the latest investigation is set to begin soon in 2026. For Adoptees interested in joining and submitting a case, please see the helpful links below, as registration and file preparations are underway.
Truth & Reconciliation General FAQ
View our FAQ outlining general objectives, expectations, next steps, and open items of the TRC.​
​
How to
Create a Timeline
Gather your documents (see our Birth Family Search Resources), including eight key documents. Then view our how-to and best practices for how to put together a TRC3 timeline.
​​
​
Ready to Submit?
Step 1: Initial Contact
If you wish to send your case in with our Korean Rights Group group filing, please fill out a TRC Participant Form or email your intent to trc3@danishkorean.dk. You will receive a response with further instructions and you can withdraw your consent at any time.​
Why You Should Submit Your Case to TRC
Read about why you should submit your case & how to submit.
​
How to Craft a Personal Statement
It's easier to craft a personal statement with facts from your case after you have create a timeline calling out documents and dates. Best practices for crafting a 1-2 page personal statement can be found here.
Step 2:
Submit your Case!
Submit your ID, information form, and documents to DKRG.​​ If you have created a timeline or crafted an impact statement, you can send these now or at a later date.
Please make sure these are all in a single PDF.
TRC Makes Headlines Around the World
Hear from previous TRC Submitters
Listen to the Adoptees United Podcast interviewing two Truth & Reconciliation Commission participants on the meaning, uncertainty & collective power of the First TRC.
​
​
Step 3:
You can always add later!
If you have not already submitted your timeline and personal statement, be sure to do so.
If there are additional documents or discoveries, you can also add them later using the email you are assigned.
Get the Latest News, Instructions & Updates
Join the USKRG Facebook group for workshops, presentations and the latest news on how to prepare & submit your case!
​
​
Birth Family Search Resources
There are many reasons to engage in birth family search. Many adoptees have lifelong questions about their origins, whether it involves gaining access to your records or searching for birth family. Recently, the media has proven what KADs have long known: our paperwork has been fabricated and served to sever our ties to our histories. While there are best practices to obtaining various records, documents can only offer one part of the story. Unfortunately, most adoptees will not know the complete picture and the extent of the fraud unless they reunite with their birth families. Below are guides to help you get started and troubleshoot any issues, but our best resources are each other and adoptee-led organizations.
Apply for Adoption Information Disclosure from the NCRC
Adoptees wishing to receive their Korean adoption files must go through the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC) and apply for "Adoption Information Disclosure." Please review our guide on how to easily do so.
Verify your Citizenship (Before Using FOIA)
Please review Adoptee Right's Law's Citizenship FAQ. If you are still unsure of your Citizenship status, we recommend you contact Adoptee Rights Law.
Submit your DNA to Korea's Missing Persons Database
See our DNA Submission Guide on steps to submit your DNA to a Korean police station or a Korean embassy in the United States.
​​
Gather your Adoption Documents Using FOIA
Once you have verified your Citizenship, please use this Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for your Alien File through the Freedom of Information Act.
​​
Take All Commercial DNA Tests
Finding birth family is the only way to verify the truth or fictionalization of your adoption story. Get started with a free DNA test or review our guide to DNA testing.
Audit Your Documents for New Information & Inconsistencies
Even if you do not wish to participate in TRC3 and once you have gathered your adoption documents, view our tutorial for what documents and red flags to look for.
Mental Health Resources
Find an Adoption-Competent Therapist
Find a Facebook Group Near You
24/7
Crisis hotline
Help is available. Dial 988.