My Fight is Our Fight: Reflections from USKRG and the Ties Program's Truths Day Tour
By Kim Jin
For Korean adoptees, returning to Korea can stir questions of identity, belonging, loss, and truth. From September 6 to September 13, 2026, USKRG and Ties Program returned to Korea for the 5th Annual Adoption Truth Day International Conference and Korean cultural activities meant to bring those experiences forward—to be heard, to seek accountability, and to stand together. For this highly personal essay series, we have asked some of our tour participants to reflect on what their experiences of returning to Korea with us have meant to them and how it has become a part of their ongoing journey — one that continues to uncover difficult truths, deepen ones understanding of what was lost, and shape what it means to reclaim our place as a Korean adoptee.
I want to take this time to reflect and appreciate USKRG, Koroot, and the KRG network for putting on the annual conference event. After attending the conference, I am very hopeful that TRC can influence the Korean government to respond positively. In a speech at the conference, a statement made by Ms. Leco (USKRG Board Member) really resonated with me. It was about the fact that we did not have a choice, and because of that everything was taken away from us. Attending the conference really showed that we are not going away and told the Korean government to do the right thing. The testimonies that were given were so motivating that it really put into perspective on how important it is to stay in the fight.
This was my first tour experience and though I didn’t have any previous knowledge of what happened in the past in the rights movement, I walked away with hope and a positive outlook. My fight is our fight.
This was my first tour experience and though I didn’t have any previous knowledge of what happened in the past in the rights movement, I walked away with hope and a positive outlook. My fight is our fight. It is not only personal but also an opportunity to stand united together to regain what is rightfully owed to us. Nothing is easy, especially fighting for what is important to us all. I don’t have any animosity or hatred for what was done. All I hope for is for the Korean government to change the future by providing closure and being forthcoming with the truth.
The Templestay at Woljeongsa Temple, included in the USKRG Ties Program Tour, was an awesome experience. I liked the atmosphere and am thankful to have taken part of traditional Korean culture. It was opportunity to connect with my inner self and to allow myself be me.
As I walked around, I let the temple experience soak in and realized for the first time that I felt proud of my Korean heritage.
As I walked around, I let the temple experience soak in and realized for the first time that I felt proud of my Korean heritage. Spending the whole week with other Korean adoptees really showed just how we are truly a family, because we are greater together than we are alone.
I am so grateful for this experience and look forward to what the future will bring. Thank you so much to USKRG for what you are doing. It shows that not only do you care, but that we all matter. We may be lost but you all make us feel important by knowing you are there for each and every one of us.
