US Korean Rights Group Meets with Korean Consulate in Atlanta

For Immediate Release

Atlanta, Georgia, May 12, 2026 – On May 11, 2026, representatives from the US Korean Rights Group (USKRG) met with officials from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss opportunities to strengthen engagement with Korean adoptees in the United States and increase awareness surrounding submissions to the Third Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea (TRC3). This date was intentionally selected for the meeting because May 11th is a holiday observed as National Adoption Day in South Korea.

The meeting focused on constructive dialogue, relationship building, and practical ways Korean diplomatic missions can help ensure that Korean adoptees are informed about ongoing truth and reconciliation efforts related to intercountry adoption.

During the meeting, USKRG introduced its mission and advocacy work supporting Korean adoptees and families affected by historical adoption practices. David Castlen, a board member of USKRG, emphasized the importance of communication, transparency, and compassionate outreach to the Korean adoptee community.

“We appreciate the willingness of the Consulate to engage in meaningful dialogue about the experiences and concerns of Korean adoptees,” said Castlen. “For many adoptees, acknowledgement and outreach matter deeply. Small efforts to inform and include the community can have a significant impact.”

"For many adoptees, acknowledgement and outreach matter deeply. Small efforts to inform and include the community can have a significant impact.”

Topics discussed included:

• Increasing awareness of TRC3 submissions among U.S.-based Korean adoptees;

• Addressing barriers such as language access, lack of information, and institutional distrust;

• Potential outreach efforts through consular communication channels and community

partnerships; and

• Opportunities for future collaboration focused on adoptee support and engagement..

USKRG noted that many adoptees remain unaware that they may be eligible to participate in TRC3 proceedings or are uncertain about how to begin the process. The organization encouraged continued efforts to provide clear and accessible information to affected individuals.

The meeting also emphasized the broader importance of demonstrating care and recognition toward Korean adoptees worldwide, many of whom continue to navigate issues related to identity, records access, family separation, and historical accountability.

USKRG expressed appreciation to the Atlanta Consulate for taking the time to meet and discuss these important issues and looks forward to continued dialogue and cooperation in support of Korean adoptees and their families.

Media Contacts: 

United States: Yuh Schabacker-Koppel info@uskrg.org

Canada (English): Kelly Foston canadakrg@gmail.com

South Korea: Boon Young Han: boonyoung.han@danishkorean.dk

USKRG: www.uskrg.org

CKRG: https://canadackrg.wixsite.com/ckrg

The Korean Rights Groups of North America, U.S. Korean Rights Group (USKRG) and Canadian Korean Rights Group (CKRG) started as non-partisan, grassroots movements by a small group of like-minded volunteers living across the United States and Canada. We are Korean Adoptees, professionals, family members, and activists participating in our communities with the belief that international adoptions to the United States and Canada should be conducted ethically, free from monetary incentives, and in full compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Together, we advocate for Korean Adoptees’ right to know their origins, accountability of adoption agencies, worldwide awareness of adoptee issues, and information empowerment for Korean Adoptees.