'Why Should I submit a Case to TRC?' & Other Questions
- USKRG
- Feb 11
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 9
From why now is the time, to what it's like to File with a KRG, to what the benefits are, we've got all the answers to your burning questions.
Last Updated: July 2026
What is the TRC3?
TRC3 stands for 'The Third Truth and Reconciliation Commission,' which was recently approved by the South Korean government to look into human rights violations in international adoption. TRC1 & TRC2 also examined human rights violations, however their mandates came to natural ends. Please see USKRG's Complete FAQ for the history of the TRC. If you think there was some illegal activity in your adoption placement (e.g. you were stolen off the streets, you were listed as an orphan when they knew who your birth family was, etc) then you can submit your adoption record to the TRC3 so they can investigate it and verify whether the law and your human rights were violated.
What terms and abbreviations should I know?
KAD | Korean Adoptee |
DoKAD | Descendents of Korean Adoptees (aka their children) |
TRC | Truth & Reconciliation Commission (an investigative body in Korea) |
TRC1 & TRC2 | Initial Truth & Reconciliation Commission investigations, with TRC2 adding adoption abuses and ending in 2025 |
TRC3 | TRC investigation to continue to pursue truth & accountability starting in February 2026 |
KRG | Korean Rights Group (e.g.: NKRG is Norwegian Korean Rights Group) |
DKRG | Danish Korean Rights Group (original adoptee group leading the movement) |
Why should I consider submitting a case to the TRC3?
Your TRC case will stand in history as a voice for justice — holding those responsible accountable and preventing future adoption fraud — and as a voice for yourself when you were voiceless.
If you are the spouse or child of a deceased adoptee, you may submit on their behalf in their memory.
TRC will investigate every case accepted.
With the help of DKRG & KoRoot, the TRC may uncover new “hidden” documents or information such as proof of an adoptee’s Korean identity, crimes committed, or the adoptee’s birth family’s identity.
To submit your case is to do something that is just for yourself and no one else.
The TRC will likely not open another investigation into adoption issues. The time is now.
The important part is not whether you decide to file with a group or as an individual, which is a highly personal choice. It's about standing up for your human rights and speaking your truth. The TRC wants to hear from you!
The important part is not whether you decide to file with a group or as an individual, which is a highly personal choice. It's about standing up for your human rights and speaking your truth. The TRC wants to hear from you!
What steps toward reparations have we seen so far from Korea?
Korea has been criticized for not taking enough concrete steps towards reparations, however, with President Lee Jae-Myung's apology to adoptees and renewed support for adoptee truth-finding and reconciliation, we're seeing a few steps already being taken:
December 26, 2025: Korea vows to end all international adoptions by 2029
January 29, 2026: Korean parliament approves establishment of TRC3 with new laws, including 3-year allowance for victims to sue after expiration of statutes of limitations
February 26, 2026: New TRC launched for existing and new adoption cases
April 9, 2026: South Korea’s justice minister Jung Sung-ho acknowledges “forced child trafficking” and that the Korean government will not appeal cases seeking government compensation
What types of cases is the TRC looking for?
There are no particular case ‘types’ the TRC is looking for and no case is deemed 'too small,' as long as there is some evidence of illegal, fraudulent, or suspicious activity that needs to be investigated.
The KRGs we work with, such as DKRG and KoRoot, have already identified patterns within Korea’s inter-country adoption system and can help you write a case summary and personal statement that has high likelihood of acceptance.
There are no particular case ‘types’ the TRC is looking for and no case is deemed 'too small,' as long as there is some evidence of illegal, fraudulent, or suspicious activity that needs to be investigated.
How can I submit a case to the TRC?
You can choose to submit independently or with a Korean Rights Group (see below for information). You will need to decide what's best for you, but since we are a part of the worldwide Korean Rights Group collective, we will be outlining some of the benefits below.
How can I submit a case to through the KRGs?
For more information about how to submit your TRC3 case through the KRGs, please visit USKRG's TRC3 Information Hub for step-by-step instructions, free downloads, and more!
Once you're ready to submit your case, please email trc3@danishkorean.dk to receive instructions and forms. You will receive instructions to
Make clearly scanned PDFs of your documents (timelines, personal statement and supplemental documentation)
Fill out the TRC3 form (remember to date, sign and tick)
Make a good picture or scan of your passport or other official ID
There are several webinars, instructional meetings and workshops happening now. Check out the USKRG group on Facebook for more information (or if you have questions). The submission opens on February 26, 2026 and will remain open until at least February 25, 2028, per the TRC's Korean language website.
Why should I submit my case sooner rather than later?
The current administration is extremely empathetic to adoptee issues and has issued an apology, recognized the weaknesses of the previous TRC and the limitations of Korean law, and made significant steps toward reforming TRC law. We don't know if a new party will be elected into office and whether the Korean government will cease TRC investigations. Based on historical data, this will likely be the case. Therefore, the sooner you submit your case, the sooner and more likely it will be investigated.
What are the benefits of submitting through a KRG?
USKRG and the KRGs do not take your decision to trust us with your case lightly, so please be assured that we are taking utmost care to treat your case with the dignity it deserves and honor your privacy, safety and data.
An entire team will project manage your case to follow it and ensure it receives proper attention from start to finish.
Frequent TRC updates will be delivered via email or zoom.
Occasionally, cases are rejected. DKRG & KoRoot will advocate for case acceptance & re-submission on your behalf.
Due to extensive experience, DKRG & KoRoot know what to look for, what documents to ask for, and can demand deeper investigations by police and other bodies.
DKRG & KoRoot have existing professional relationships with TRC investigators & parliament members, ensuring your case has the best possible chance for visibility and actions to be taken.
Your data and privacy will be protected by GDPR law.
KRGs can never be “bought" and are in this for the long haul.
Collective action! Your case will sit beside and be presented along with others, weaving a larger narrative based on identified patterns & years of experience from KRGs.
KRGs will provide Korean-language support for any case follow ups.
Support and connection within USKRG's community and the wider KRG community.
What outcomes are the KRGs striving for?
There is room for other outcomes and forms of reconciliation or restorative justice, however these are the priorities:
1. Access to our files and personal histories (aka 'Right to Know')
2. Preventing recurrence of abuses in the international adoption system
3. Criminal prosecution at the private/individual level
What is it like to file with a KRG?
Listen to the Adoptee Rights Podcast on the Uncertainty & Collective Power of the TRC or read about USKRG Vice President Rob's experience submitting to TRC2.
Why is my submission going through DKRG?
Adoptees in around the world, specifically the DKRG, kicked off the initial TRC investigation due to relationships with TRC investigators and Korean Parliament members that were built over time. DKRG has additionally partnered with the well-known adoptee org KoRoot, and has years of expertise from analyzing and advocating for TRC1 & 2 casework.
When you work with USKRG (or any KRG), there's a community and free resources and expertise that can be tapped into. You'll be in communication with like-minded Korean Adoptees, leaders, and participants in previous TRCs from around the world. This makes information-sharing, translation, and case management better for all.
What is the process of filing with a KRG?
STEP 1
To receive the TRC application form, please email:
STEP 2
Send the application form, official government photo ID and material by email to the email provided by DKRG.
STEP 3
Look for emails with further instructions, including invites to livestreams, information sessions, and support groups.
Why are KRGs filing in Groups?
So far, there are 3 known groups. Group 1 submitted on February 26, 2026. Group 2 submitted May 11, 2026. Group 3 is currently open for submission and will submit on July 22, 2026. There are several reasons why we are filing in groups:
The TRC3 is set to accept cases until February 25, 2028. As opposed to one large submission, group filing allows for DKRG and the commission to distribute work out across time
Group filing allows KRGs to take inventory of case volume, find and propose patterns and batch-sort the cases
KRGs are able to implement workshops over time
Adoptees have shown interest in submitting with the KRGs, however maybe the timing of Group 1 was inconvenient or the adoptee has found out about the work of the KRGs too late to file.
Group 3 is currently open for submission and will submit on July 22, 2026.
How will the KRGs Ensure My Privacy is Protected?
Data is collected and stored in compliance with GDPR, the EU's new data protection law. These laws are much more stringent than privacy laws in Canada or the USA, as outlined by past information sessions. Please also see our article about how the KRGs are looking after your data.
Will anyone know I submitted a case to the TRC or a KRG?
No one will know you submitted your case to KRGs or TRC3, unless you choose to disclose that information publicly.
All data will be utilized in accordance with GDPR and will be anonymized in any subsequent reporting.
How can I submit a case to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission directly as an individual?
Instructions for submitting a case independently can be found on the TRC's website or on the website of your nearest embassy. Note: While supplemental optional material may be added at a later date, an application shall only be deemed validly received when all mandatory documents have been confirmed as submitted. Application Period for Applying to the TRC3 The TRC3 will accept applications from February 26, 2026 – February 25, 2028.
Application Forms for TRC3
Forms to apply to TRC3 are available for download from the Commission’s website here. Forms may also be found on Consulate websites.
Method of Submission
You can submit your TRC application through email or in person as follows:
Email: jinsil26@korea.kr
In person: at your nearest Korean embassy or consulate
In person: at the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, whose address is 04554 NamSan Square Buildings (5F) 173, Toegye-ro, Jung-Gu Seoul, Seoul
(For inquiries: 02-3393-9700)
Where special circumstances exist that make it impracticable to file an application in writing, the application may be filed orally
Eligibility Criteria for Application You may apply to the TRC3 if you meet the following criteria:
Are a victim
Are a victim's bereaved family member or relative
Are any person with knowledge of particular facts about a case subject to
clarifying the truth
Required Application Documents The following documents are required to complete your application and must be clear scans and/or clear prints or the following:
(Applicant) Application for Truth-Finding
Consent to the use of Personal Data
(Applicant) a copy of ID or passport
(If an applicant is represented by someone) Designation of Representatives
Optional Adoption documents
The following documents are optional and may be submitted using clear scans and/or clear prints, if applicable:
Scanned adoption documents
Other supporting or reference materials related to the case, such as Timeline or Personal Statement
Please note: any optional supplemental documentation may be submitted at a later date.
(If Applying By Email) Subject Line If emailing your TRC3 application, please write the subject line of the application email in the following format: [Application for Truth-Finding] Intercountry Adoption / Name / Country of Residence
Example: [Application for Truth-Finding] Intercountry Adoption / Olivia Kim / CA, USA
(If Applying By Email) Accepted File Formats
If emailing your TRC3 application, clear scans of attachments are recommended to be submitted in the following formats:
PDF
JPG or PNG
(If Applying By Email) Naming Attached Files
File names should briefly indicate only the applicant’s name or the case name, and should not contain unnecessary personal information, as in
kim_Application.pdf
kim_ID.pdf
Post-Submission & Acceptance: Receipt of Application
When an application is received in its complete state, a receipt of application will be provided.
Application Cancellation
In rare cases, a TRC3 application may be canceled, closed, or deemed invalid in cases including, but not limited to
the submission of false or forged documents
submission by a person who is neither the applicant nor a duly authorized representative
it is difficult to verify the identity of the applicant based on the submitted documents
failure to comply with a request for supplementation (in which documents are deemed incomplete or insufficient) and the submitter has not responded to the TRC request within 14 days
duplicate submission of the same case
Why are some adoptees choosing to submit individually?
For some adoptees, privacy and control over who may see their files outweighs any benefit of group submission. Each adoptee will need to decide for themselves what is right for them individually, but the important thing is that adoptees stand up for their rights by submitting at all (regardless of group or individual submission status).
