A 48-year-old South Korean man accuses the government of negligence in separating children from their families. A court in South Korea has ruled that the country's main adoption agency must pay this man $74,700 in compensation for the problems faced during his adoption to the States United. He experienced legal difficulties after surviving an abusive childhood and was deported in 2016.
The history of adoptions in South Korea
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During the 1970s and 1980s, South Korea experienced a wave of intercountry adoptions encouraged by the military government, which sought to boost economic growth and reduce the number of mouths to to feed.
Adoption agencies, controlled by individuals close to military leaders, were known for their aggressive adoption tactics. recruitment of children and the manipulation of forged documents about the origin of children, in order to send more adoptees to the outside.
The Case of Adam Crapser
Adam Crapser, the name given by the adoptive family, sued the South Korean government and Holt Children’s Service, the agency responsible for his adoption in 1979. He accused them of document manipulation and failed background checks, which failed to detect their abusive adopters. Furthermore, he claimed that he was not properly assisted to secure his US citizenship.
The Consequences for Crapser
Crapser suffered from two abusive foster families in the United States and was separated from his wife, children and friends after being deported to South Korea. In the country, he faced isolation because of the different language and culture, in addition to dealing with anxiety and depression.
The Verdict and Possible Future Actions
Although the court rejected Crapser's accusations against the South Korean government, Crapser's decision holding the adoption agency liable for damages represents an important step towards holding parties accountable involved in these cases.
It is possible that other South Korean adoptees are also seeking justice, as they are becoming more active in criticizing corruption in the country's adoption practices.
Adam Crapser's case exposes the flaws in South Korea's foster care system, resulting in unfair family separations and making it difficult to reconnect with one's roots.
The ongoing investigations by the South Korean Truth and Reconciliation Commission could pave the way for further legal action against adoption agencies and the government to protect the rights of children adopted in country.
