'Why Should I submit a Case to TRC?' & Other Questions

USKRG
21 hours ago
6 min read

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. The first two TRCs (TRC1 & TRC2) also examined human rights violations, however they ended in 2025. 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)

TRC 1&2 Initial adoption Truth & Reconciliation Commission investigations in 2025

TRC3 Upcoming TRC investigation to continue to pursue truth & accountability

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.
The TRC will likely not open another investigation. The time is now.

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.

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 (like DKRG), as well as 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 KRG (see below for information). You will need to decide what's best for you, but since we are a KRG, we will be outlining some of the benefits below.

How can I submit a case to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission directly?

Preliminary instructions for submitting a case independently can be found on the TRC's Korean language website. The pop up reads: Application Period February 26, 2026 – February 25, 2028 (Excluding public holidays)

Method of Submission

Mail or In-Person Submission

Each local government office (city/province or city/county/district)
Or the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Required Application Documents

1 copy of the Application for Truth Verification
Copy of the applicant’s ID
Documents verifying the applicant’s eligibility(e.g., family relation certificate, family register, power of attorney, etc.)
1 copy of the Personal Information Consent Form
Any additional materials relevant to the investigation

Forms are available for download from the Commission’s website (www.jinsil.go.kr) or from local government websites.

Scope of Truth Investigation

The Independence Movement against Japanese colonial rule during or immediately prior to the occupation
Overseas Koreans who supported anti-Japanese activities during the occupation period or experienced violence up to December 1, 2005
Illegal collective civilian deaths, killings, injuries, disappearances, torture, and unlawful detention before and after the Korean War following Liberation
Deaths, injuries, disappearances, torture, unlawful detention, and other serious human rights violations or fabricated cases caused by unlawful or improper public authority from Liberation until the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (November 25, 2001)
Terrorism, human rights abuses, violence, massacres, and suspicious death cases committed by state-designated enemy forces until the end of authoritarian rule after Liberation
Human rights violations that occurred before the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea in facilities directly operated, supported, managed, or supervised by the state or local governments, including social welfare institutions, adoption agencies, and group residential facilities

For detailed information regarding the application and submission process, please refer to Resources → General Materials.

For inquiries: 02-3393-9700

How can I submit a case to through the KRGs?

Please email trc3@danishkorea.dk to receive instructions and forms. You will receive instructions to

Make good PDFs of your documents (timelines and other information)
Fill out 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 deadline is February 20, 2026.

Why is the KRG deadline so soon compared to the independent deadline?

The deadline is February 20, 2026 to give the KRGs time make sure all documents are present and your case has everything it needs to be successful. You may also add more evidence to your documents later.

What are the benefits of submitting through a KRG?

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.
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.

Why is my submission going through DKRG?

Adoptees in Europe, 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 it like to file with a KRG?

Listen to the Adoptee Rights Podcast on the Uncertainty & Collective Power of the TRC.

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 the DKRG information session on 2/8.

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.