2025 Year In Review: Advancing KAD Rights and Solidarity

As 2025 closed, our community made measurable progress advancing human rights, dignity, and justice for U.S. and Canadian Korean adoptees. The year brought political instability and institutional resistance, but also concrete outcomes driven by sustained advocacy, collaboration, and resolve.

Defending human rights and democratic values

The year began amid instability in South Korea following the failed martial law and coup attempt in December 2024. Many commissions paused work pending the May elections. Throughout this period of political instability, USKRG remained focused on defending human rights affecting Korean adoptees in the United States and Canada.

Several of our members courageously shared videos calling for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC2) to review all open cases without political interference. When it became clear this was not happening, USKRG formally called for a TRC3 so unresolved cases would not be excluded and adoptee voices expanded. Through coordination with Korean Rights Groups worldwide, adoptee perspectives gained greater visibility with the Korean government and the TRC.

In March, TRC2 released interim findings that recognized the systemic human rights violations in international adoptions. In April, rulings were issued for fifty-six cases, leaving three hundred eleven unresolved. As it became evident no further rulings would follow, USKRG joined domestic Korean organizations at a June rally outside the TRC. Board members Yuh and Michelle stood with DKRG, KoRoot, NKRG, and Korean civil society groups. We met with TRC commissioners, and in July, South Korea announced it would adopt the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. The convention was formally signed on October first 2025, introducing stricter child protection standards and best practices.

Policy advocacy and public engagement

USKRG expanded engagement with policymakers, Korean Rights Groups, Korean civil society partners, and grassroots advocates. In September, members participated in the Third Adoption Truths Day International Conference in Seoul, continuing international dialogue and accountability efforts.

On October second, President Lee Jae Myung issued a national apology to overseas adoptees, acknowledging state failures and harm caused by past adoption programs. On December twenty-fifth, following United Nations pressure, South Korea released a formal plan to end international adoptions by 2029. The UN continues to press for full truth finding and reparations. USKRG remains committed to ensuring as many cases as possible are heard.

Community education and empowerment

Education remained central. USKRG hosted forums, film screenings, and webinars to help adoptees prepare for TRC3. These included introductory sessions on the TRC process and USKRG’s role, followed by detailed webinars on case preparation, documentation, and timelines. These sessions provided practical tools and reduced barriers to participation for many adoptees not only in the US, but across the globe.

Building coalitions and solidarity

Community strength came from members willing to share deeply personal experiences. Informal meet and greet lunches were held in California, Illinois, Washington, and Minnesota, creating space for connection and mutual support. While many of our experiences are similar, each story is also unique and deserving of recognition.

We have also been able to meet with several Korean Adoptee Advocacy groups and other International Adoptee Rights groups and leaders working toward similar goals to see how we can form alliances and learn from each other.

On a personal note, we have been profoundly moved by so many of you and have found a network of like-minded individuals we never imagined existed. Thank you for your openness, honesty, and determination to ensure your stories are heard.

This year also marked USKRG’s one year anniversary. We formalized our structure and selected a Leadership Team and Board. We are grateful to the volunteers whose time and skills made this work possible. The community built through shared effort, hardship, and progress continues to be a source of strength.

Looking ahead

As 2026 begins, TRC3 formation makes outreach and case support urgent. Our priority is ensuring U.S. and Canadian Korean adoptees can submit cases and are not left behind due to complexity or exhaustion. We will also deepen alliances across the broader adoption community to increase collective impact.

With resolve and shared purpose, we move forward together.

With gratitude,

USKRG

www.uskrg.org