Archive · 26 May 2025
Mother Sues South Korea Over Missing Son's Illegal Adoption
A mother in South Korea is suing the government and an adoption agency because they sent her son to Norway without her permission almost 50 years ago.
When her son was a toddler, he went missing, and the agency didn't tell her he was adopted.
The mother searched for her son for decades before they reunited recently.
The lawsuit claims the adoption was done illegally, and that the government was careless.
An investigation found that the government helped agencies separate children from their families.
Now, the mother wants to know how this happened and to seek justice for the alleged wrongdoing.
A South Korean mother sued the government and an adoption agency for her son's illegal adoption.
The mother's son went missing in 1975 at the age of three and was later adopted.
The lawsuit alleges that the adoption agency falsified records and failed to notify the parents.
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission report found the government responsible for problematic adoption practices.
The case is part of a larger effort to address widespread adoption fraud and abuse in South Korea.
- Who
- Choi Young-ja (mother), the South Korean government, and Holt Children's Services.
- What
- A lawsuit against the South Korean government and Holt Children's Services over the illegal adoption of Choi's son.
- When
- The lawsuit was filed recently, following the son's reunion in 2023.
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- To address alleged failures in the adoption process and seek accountability for illegal adoptions.
Birth Parents and Adoptees
Adoption Agency and Government
Accountability for Illegal Adoptions
Birth Parents and Adoptees
Victims claim the government and agencies are responsible for illegal adoptions and should offer reparations.
Adoption Agency and Government
The government has not acknowledged direct responsibility for past adoption problems, and the adoption agency did not respond to requests for comment.
Transparency and Record Keeping
Birth Parents and Adoptees
Birth parents and adoptees are seeking accountability for the lack of proper record-keeping, verification of parental rights and the agencies' negligence.
Adoption Agency and Government
The adoption agency and government are accused of falsifying records and failing to notify parents of the child's status. The commission's report, though cautious, might have not gone far enough to address the issues.
- Plaintiff
- Choi Young-ja
- Defendant
- South Korean government and Holt Children's Services
- Son's Adoption Year
- 1975
- Lawsuit Allegations
- Illegal adoption and institutional failures
- Sought Damages
- 550 million won ($403,000)
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report
- Found the government responsible for facilitating fraudulent adoptions