South Korea admits to widespread adoption fraud. Here's one story

Npr - Mar 31st, 2025

Last week, South Korea's Truth and Reconciliation Commission unveiled a report implicating Korean adoption agencies in widespread fraud and malpractice, including human rights violations. The report highlights that over 140,000 South Korean children were adopted internationally in the decades following the Korean War, often under dubious circumstances. It documents instances of agencies fabricating records and sending abandoned children abroad with minimal efforts to locate living relatives. The findings have sparked outrage and have significant implications for international adoption practices.

Documentarian Deann Borshay Liem, who discovered her own adoption story was based on falsehoods, shared her personal experience and reaction to the commission's findings. Adopted by an American family in 1966, she later found her birth mother and extended family in South Korea. Liem's story underscores the emotional and ethical complexities facing adoptees and highlights the urgent need for justice and reform in the international adoption system. The investigation's revelations promise to impact future policies and practices surrounding adoption globally.

South Korea Truth And Reconciliation Commission Adoption Fraud Human Rights Violations Deann Borshay Liem

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights significant findings from South Korea's Truth and Reconciliation Commission regarding adoption malpractices, using a compelling personal narrative to engage readers. It accurately presents the commission's findings but could benefit from more detailed evidence and additional perspectives to enhance balance and credibility. The story is timely and addresses issues of public interest, such as international adoption ethics and child welfare. While it has the potential to influence public opinion and spark meaningful discussion, the inclusion of more diverse viewpoints and transparency in sourcing would strengthen its impact and reliability. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, providing a solid foundation for raising awareness and prompting further inquiry into adoption practices.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate in its depiction of the findings by South Korea's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which identified widespread fraud and malpractice by Korean adoption agencies. The claim that more than 140,000 South Korean children were adopted abroad aligns with historical data on international adoptions from South Korea. The specific example of Deann Borshay Liem's adoption story is consistent with documented cases of falsified records. However, while the story accurately captures the essence of the commission's findings, it could benefit from more detailed evidence and specific examples to reinforce its claims.

Balance

The article presents a focused perspective on the malpractices of Korean adoption agencies, primarily highlighting the negative aspects of international adoptions. It effectively conveys the viewpoint of adoptees who have been affected by these practices, as exemplified by Deann Borshay Liem. However, the piece could achieve greater balance by including perspectives from adoption agencies or government officials to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation. The absence of these viewpoints might lead to an impression of bias against the adoption process.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that makes it easy to follow. The language is straightforward, and the structure effectively highlights the main findings and personal stories. The tone is neutral, focusing on factual reporting without sensationalism. However, the inclusion of more detailed background information on the commission's work and the historical context of Korean adoptions would improve clarity for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Source quality

The article references the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a credible source for the findings reported. It also includes an anecdotal account from Deann Borshay Liem, adding a personal dimension to the story. However, the article lacks direct quotes or interviews with commission members or other experts, which would enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting. The reliance on a single narrative without corroborating sources slightly undermines the overall source quality.

Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding its sources and methodology. While it mentions the commission's report and includes a personal story, it does not elaborate on how the information was gathered or verified. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or the methodology used to interpret the commission's findings. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the reader's trust in the reporting.