The birth family campaign

So, today was supposed to be a pretty relaxing, touristy-like day. It started that way. I managed to navigate the Seoul subway system, went to city hall, took some pics near the American Embassy, saw a re-enactment of the palace changing of the guard, had dinner with a friend (thanks Rudy), went up to Namsam mountain/Seoul Tower (night view pictured), and worked my way back to Yonsei, etc.

Some time in the middle of the day, just as I was ready to cut through Ewha Women's University campus, I stumbled upon G.O.A.L (Global Overseas Adoptees Link) hosting a Birth Family Search Campaign in the shopping district. I was surrounded by pictures of Korean adoptees who are seeking information to help them locate their birth families. Prior to coming Korea, I knew that I was not interested in conducting a search. After all, I was abandoned and given the slim amount of information in my case file, I have less than a 1% chance of completing a successful search. Frankly, that is 1% too many. It has taken me years to resolve my "issues" as it relates to my identity, and how I'm received by others, in addition to my being adopted. While the wound is closed, there is still a scab that could be ripped off, causing some serious emotional bleeding. Not a risk I'm willing (or wanting) to take. Before I left, I was offered to appear on a Korean show. The English translation is something like "I miss that person." Basically, Korean adoptees appear on public television and answer some questions about their past. In the off chance that someone recognizes the individual, they can call in and be subjected to a DNA test for validation purposes. One middle-aged Korean adoptee from the Midwest appeared on the show and his experience was documented by CNN when he went to Korea to meet his birth mother. That nearly did me in.

I was deeply frustrated and empathetic for the people in the pictures who are willing to make a public spectacle (in a fashion) of themselves for much of Korean society to see. Even though the Korean government has restricted transracial adoptions from Korea, the issue of adoption and the treatment of birth mothers is still extremely taboo. Quite the contradiction, I'd say. From what I understand, the Korean government will make an exception if the child is adopted by a Korean heritage family. What the hell does that mean??? Does that mean a mixed race Korean, like myself, who was rescued, but at the same time given away, can adopt a Korean child? That may be a battle I'm willing to fight. I'll have to look into that one.

Despite my ranting, I do want to thank the hard-working members of G.O.A.L. as you are working tirelessly to bring the issue of adoption to the mainstream in Korea. No easy task, but you are making progress one step at a time.