3rd Annual Truths Day International Conference Focuses on the Future
- USKRG
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Human Rights Violations During the Inter-country Adoption Process: Seeking a Way Forward
In March 2025, the Korean Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) confirmed human rights violations in the inter-country adoption process, caused by systemic government failure. This landmark decision sparked a global demand for transparency, with several European countries launching their own investigations.
In preparation for the 3rd Korean Truth and Reconciliation Commission (aka TRC3), a 2-day conference -- Truths Day International Conference -- was held in Seoul on September 10 & 11, 2025. Its purpose: to discuss the TRC's findings and concrete paths forward. Speakers (and attendees) from around the world included TRC Commissioners, TRC Investigators, adoptees, birth mothers, social workers, community leaders, scholars, and subject matter experts. USKRG, along with all other KRGs, KoRoot, and other adoptee-led organizations were in attendance.
The first day of the conference reviewed the Truth Commission's conclusions and rulings with insight into the investigation. This was made with the participation of the most central actors from the TRC: the Chairman of Sub-Commission 2, Commissioner Lee Sang Hyun, as well as the Investigators from the Commission.
The second day of the conference focused on the way forward such as how the Commission's conclusions translate into concrete change for adoptees. It also focused on adoptees' challenges in obtaining information about their background and origins.
For more information and upcoming events, please join facebook.com/groups/uskrg/
To see a write up about the Conference, please see "Adoptees, birth families, officials demand justice as Korea confronts abuses," a Korea Times article by Antonia Giordano and Alice Hong.
Below, you can download and read the Conference program and talks in written form:
Please Note: The English translation starts on page 82
