South Korean President Apologizes for Historical Abuses in Adoption Programs

On October 2, 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung issued a formal apology for the nation's historical mismanagement of international adoption programs, acknowledging systemic abuses that affected thousands of adoptees and their families.

Between 1955 and 1999, South Korea sent over 140,000 children abroad for adoption, primarily to Western countries. Many of these children were falsely labeled as orphans or taken from their families under unethical circumstances. The adoption programs were often driven by government policies aimed at reducing welfare costs and were conducted in collaboration with Western governments and adoption agencies. A 2024 investigation revealed that these programs operated under such policies, leading to widespread abuses and fraud.

In March 2025, South Korea's Truth and Reconciliation Commission released a report after investigating complaints from 367 adoptees in Europe, the United States, and Australia. The commission found that the government violated adoptees' rights by facilitating adoptions through fraudulent practices, including falsifying records to portray children as abandoned orphans and switching identities. The report highlighted that these programs prioritized expediting overseas adoptions over strengthening domestic welfare programs.

In his apology, President Lee acknowledged the nation's past as a "child-exporting country" and expressed sorrow for the anxiety, pain, and confusion experienced by adoptees sent abroad as children. He stated, "On behalf of the Republic of Korea, I extend my heartfelt apology and words of comfort to overseas adoptees, their families, and their birth families who have suffered." He also emphasized the government's failure to fulfill its responsibilities in preventing these abuses.

In response to the findings and to enhance protections in future international adoptions, South Korea ratified the Hague Adoption Convention in July 2025. The treaty, which took effect in the country on October 1, 2025, establishes safeguards to ensure that intercountry adoptions are conducted in the best interests of the child and with respect for their fundamental rights.

The apology and acknowledgment of past abuses have significant social and societal implications:

• Healing and Reconciliation: The formal apology may serve as a step toward healing for adoptees and their families, acknowledging their pain and validating their experiences.

• Policy Reforms: The government's commitment to improving adoption systems indicates a move toward more ethical practices, ensuring that children's rights are prioritized in future adoptions.

• International Relations: By addressing past wrongs and aligning with international standards through the Hague Adoption Convention, South Korea may strengthen its diplomatic relations and improve its global image.

President Lee Jae Myung, a prominent liberal figure and former child laborer, was elected President of South Korea in June 2025. His election followed a period of political turmoil marked by the impeachment of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee has pledged to revitalize the economy, promote peace with North Korea, and bridge the country's domestic political divide. Known for his populist rhetoric and reform-minded stance, he has emphasized pragmatic diplomacy and maintaining strong alliances.

President Lee's formal apology for the mismanagement of foreign adoption programs represents a significant step toward acknowledging and addressing past human rights violations. The commitment to reforming adoption practices and aligning with international standards through the Hague Adoption Convention indicates a move toward greater accountability and protection of children's rights in South Korea.