korean adoptee on overseas adoption

[southkorean1988]

@stephxhoney

some reading for those interested in reading about discrimination against Asian Americans and their experiences

Rosalind S. Chou's book (The Myth of the Model Minority)

A group called model minority songs Vincent Who and Where did you go?

I am very grateful for my parents as an asian American adoptee

Where (In korea) are you originally from? I was born in Daejeon and from Seoul.

was adopted through SWS

What was your original name?

[MRSTeunis]

What a beautiful testimony. Your parents must be just so proud of you and such wonderful people to have raised you to be so smart and confidant and articulate. You and they were obviously blessed by your adoption experience.

[xxzunitxx]

my professor is making us watch ur videos for Asian American class!

u are famous!! lol n i know Depaul i go to UIC!

but to your video/response, i think you are right in that there are other factors such as systematic and transnational forces that do play a part n i think def the ultimate cost is at the expense of the children, which is why this is a large scale issue.

[leinani10]

Thanks for sharing the other side of adoptees. I just watched the video you were talking about,where she mentioned that she and other adoptees were on the same page and she was against international adoptions. I was hoping that there was something more positive out there. I believe that the times have changed a lot when it comes to adopting from other countries. Now, many adoptive parents actually bring their adoptive children's cultures in the homes, where 20 or 30 years ago,they wouldn't have.

[BuffonSarutobi]

Some Korean parents come to Japan to abandon their handicapped kids.

[earthboundcruiser]

What's sad is how few Korean parents here in Korea will adopt a child...in a way, nothing was taken away from you because an American family adopted you...Korea gave up on you, tossed you away out of their own shame. Koreans need to change. You would have been treated worse as an unwanted child here. Korea only abolished the Hoju system in 2005, so if you hadn't been adopted you would have grown up with little in the way of legal status in Korea.

[ObamaBiden20082012]

@earthboundcruiser Well said. It's lucky the western media hardly reports on Korean complaints on overseas adoption... Korea's image would take a nose dive. What do the complaints amount to: White parents in America were open enough to adopt children of another race (about as accepting as it gets) and Koreans are angry they didn't teach them Korean culture?? As opposed to Korea, where an adopted Child was seen as a bastard, god forbid he be of another race! cont.

[ObamaBiden20082012]

@ObamaBiden20082012 cont. But Americans and the American media is strongly inclined to view Korea in a very positive light, almost to a racist extent. The American media ignores anti Caucasian attacks in Korea, American chamber of commerce, attacks on American GIs in the subways, racial slurs.... Koreans are lucky that the media white washes their ethno-centric complaints, making it always seem issue based. But then again, some activists seem to want to stir up a hornets nest of xenophobia.

[Traces1000]

and so what if you cant fit into a racist country...just go out and protest for human right u dumb ass

[stephxhoney]

@Traces1000 i've actually done that on multiple occasions. what is YOUR greatest contribution to society? leaving mean-spirited comments on random people's youtube channels?

[MrAsianmusicman]

@stephxhoney Traces1000 gets a thumbs DOWN from me!

[stephxhoney]

@MrAsianmusicman thank you ^.^

[MrAsianmusicman]

@stephxhoney You're pretty and I stick up for my fellow Koreans.

[thatgirlvivian]

you are creating awareness and you are an inspiration! I am Korean born, grew up in Cali and am planning to adopt in the future south Korean or North Korean if possible. Thanks~

[denshaotoko89]

pls don't be like other Asian girls and say bad things about Asian men. keep your thoughts to yourself

[stephxhoney]

@denshaotoko89 i don't know how to respond to this comment politely, so i will heed your advice and keep my thoughts to myself in this case.

[denshaotoko89]

@stephxhoney go on say what you want

[yoonsunlee]

I'm Korean adopted too, and it's fine that adoptions continue. But American parents who are adopting need to be screened more carefully.

Also, there is not a 1:1 ratio for horror stories to miracles of adoption. There are a fair amount of horror stories, a fair amount of normal stories and very few "miracles."

You're very diplomatic, You have a unique story because you've been well taken care of. A lot of other Korean adoptees haven't been so lucky.

[kymts]

She has a right to and should form her own opinions and make her own choices, but I hope that before she adopts internationally, she really think about how those children were created - people, organizations, and societal/cultural forces that create the lives and lifestyles of those children up for adoption - that made them available for adoption. Her views sound simplistic and naive to me, but typical for someone in the beginning of her adoption thought process journey.

[Janetging2]

What's wrong with American kids? If your American and you live in America, Go with the adoption of an American kid. It's only right.

[CarrieGraham1967]

Ditto what John Wesley said. As you said yourself, there is a way to help unwed mothers in Korea and other nations. But North American couples would rather spend $30,000 helping themselves to disadvantaged woman's child than helping change a system that demands poor women to relinquish their children to rich women. Your parents BOUGHT you and brainwashed you into being grateful for it. When you have children of your own, you'll understand the depth of what's been done to you & your mother.

[JohnWesleyMethodist]

Adoption is such a mess and people are so daft about it. They think they are such great people and so religious because they adopted a baby. Why not show your goodness and love by caring for the mother and enabling her to raise the child herself? No one is interested in that. They couldn't care less what happens to the birthmother after the adoption. In fact, they don't want the birthmother to even ever see the child again. Selfish! Adoption is selfish!

[stephxhoney]

@JohnWesleyMethodist actually, my parents are very grateful to my birth mother and do want me to find her someday.

[111secret111222333]

@JohnWesleyMethodist I actually was left around by my birth mother because she was busy takin care for 5 other kids....i was adopted by a lady who saw how i was not takin care of i was only a couple months old....i found out i was adopted when i was 11 and i saw my birth mother and her kids..u kno wat i see da kids didnt go to skol had barely anythin to eat...i felt LUCKY i was adopted....so r u sayin dat da lady i call mom now was Selfish to adopt me..?..

[ObamaBiden20082012]

@JohnWesleyMethodist Good questions. Why doesn't Korea help single mothers out. Why does Korean society frown so much on adoption? White parents adopt a Korean and nowdays usually even introduce that child to Korean culture and they are blamed as greedy and selfish. Koreans by in large until recently refuse to adopt a child over 1 month old, let alone a (god forbid!) a child of another race who they couldn't pass off as their own.

[dinnerandashow]

I am glad she didn't have a Woody Allen white dad.

[xxJxMxCxx]

thank you for this video :)

you are awesome xxxx

[yardkyle]

people are racist in every country, it is only based on insecurities. the whole issue of caring about what colour people's skin is and holding on to culture and tradition is a big reason why humans don't evolve. it doesn't matter where your genes are from. the things that make you who you are is who your parents are and who your friends are and the envronment and education you grew up with. let's stop looking at each other and start seeing each other people. it's time to move onward and upward.

[speedstr27]

I really appreciate your post and your honesty! I was just wondering your opinion on what is the 'best case scenario'? Would it be that children should have the right to live with their birth family and culture? If this is the case, then what are the historical and present day conditions in South Korea that produced so many babies adopted by US parents? Wouldn't the ideal be to change those specific socio-economic conditions in order for the 'best case scenario' to occur?

[miamivice217]

wow! thanks so much for you opinion! It really gave me some insight to overseas adoption issue. I just recently got really interested into Korean culture and music and I've learned so much about asian culture. I plan on teaching english over there when I graduate from college next year! This video is great! Just know that you are loved.. and don't hang yourself up so much on labels. lol. :p

[TSP]

I'm 3rd gen Korean American, speak English with my parents primarily, speak Korean a little, understand a good amount, even speak English with Korean American Grandparents. Just want to tell you that you ARE just as Korean American as I am or as any other Korean American out there. You are one of us no matter how you may feel sometimes from other people even from other Koreans. =)

[knowfather1]

w w w . watchtower . org / e / 20080801 / article_03 . htm

[redballyou]

i'd tap that

[hannahlannom]

Wow. Thank you. My husband and our planning adopting. We're looking domestically rather than overseas, but you're video blog and just seeing your perspective was amazing.

[TheYankees144]

great video. i myself am an adpotee. im so glad i met my over seas family.

[chibangin007]

youre hot... i love koreans.

[b1p0l4rt]

You have your head squarely on your shoulders. If I was your mom, I'd be really proud of you.

[Emmilita]

im adopted from asia too!

how old were you adopted at? i have identity problems too since i was adopted at 6 months so i feel like ive lived in america for my entire life. so its tough. i know what you're going through girlie! (:

[gikcp34]

I am korean adopted too in other country, I think is better to be adopted in own country than others, like my experience this what I understand in all this time, there is a lot of racism around of the world and maybe the parents adoptive cannot give you what you need

[linxs481]

You're beautiful :)

[BraidenJae]

Thanks for posting :)

[eatingperson]

Well, whatever it is that you decide you are, you're definitely sexy :)

[Gra3111]

umbrella statement? It's "THE" statement. There is a greedy force. Why is Holt International still around? the war is over, and Korea is developed and has money. What about the unwed mom's in Korea who get twice less the support from the government? Just because you have stockholm syndrome doesn't mean Korean adoption is justified as a whole.

[asynkronos]

Most adoptees who are reunited with their real parents and brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, etc., are amazed by all they have in common. My son said he felt as if he'd always known us. He is very like us and our other children in looks, IQ, personality, interests, values, etc., but not like his adopters. They said he had no interest in knowing us and other lies. His father and I love him. Natural family bonds are deep and permanent. They don't exist with strangers of any culture.

[Meian93]

not trying to be offensive but i just wonder how comes white people look for adopting a child from a different country/race. why do they even adopt? can't have on their own,...or trying to be different? its sth that intrigates me.

[Miyaku10]

You're a very pretty lady, look into modeling :)

[derekfisher82]

sexc

[alrocANA]

you are so pretty, im from mexico, i think im fallen in love

[cromoloco]

she is hot

[upcycle]

thanks for posting this video.

[iljbp]

honestly, [im not trying to be rude], but im sure you probably dont know a ton about korean culture.. and i think you should try visiting korea sometime if you havent already.. because from your video.. i take it as your saying that korea doesnt have much to offer. or can offer as america can and i totally disagree... im korean and i was born in the state. theres so many great things about korea and the culture.

korea's not a third world country.some ppl still today think it is.

[ofizs]

@iljbp you completely missed the point she was making. you turning her statement into a national pride debate. she was saying the in HER case, korea could not offer the same opportunities as the US simply because in korea she would have been an ORPHAN and would have lived in an orphanage while in the US she is a child with loving parents who could obviously provide her better and she has a better chance establishing herself. being an orphan vs being a kid with family. that's all

[sryididthis]

@ofizs That's an assumption as well. South Koreans will adopt South Korean orphans. You don't know(just as she doesn 't know) whether or not she would have stayed an orphan if she stayed in South Korea. People will justify this by saying that they don't adopt over there, but the truth in the matter is that they adopt their children as often as we adopt ours. I'm not using this to make an argument against what her adopters did. I'm just trying to add a broader perspective on the issue...

[elleran1969]

Thanks sweetie currently in Korea they are trying to totally ban intercountry adoption but local adoption fails up to 60 to 70% of the time in the first few weeks or years so the children are rejected twice, and then may not be able to be adopted at all.

Where we live there are quite a few Asians as well as Africans, Maoris etc.

[tttfrenetic]

You are so beautiful... live strong! :)

[Yonggbaek]

You know something weird, I am an american white person. But ive been submerged into korean culture for the past three years, and i love it. I have planned my life around it, ive had korean girl friends, MANY korean friends. I go to a Korean Church. And recently ive planned my life in korea. I want to go teach english in Korea. I will do this. I want to live my life in Korea and im a white person.... Its weird though because i feel like i wish i would have known about this culture my whole life

[Kirke182]

@Yonggbaek There's thousands of white guys just like you all over the Far East. And, yes, you ARE weird.

[Earthlinked]

You are an American - born in Korea. And if you were not adopted - you'd probably have either died or been left alone - and the world would have suffered the loss of never having seen the wonderful and beautiful person that you are today!!!!!!

[linzymack]

a very valid point and a beautiful way of thinking, i love what you said it brought tears to my eyes. you're very well spoken, btw.

[linzymack]

a very valid point, i totally agree. you're very well spoken, btw.

[LSMerrell]

there are people out there like me!!!! :)

[kiman2]

Thanks for the very insightful perspective. I have known Korean adoptees raised by American(white) parents. IMO t's regrettable that many are raised totally "white" with no exposure to their culture. They have never even had Korean food. It's up to the parents to provide exposure/education about the child's roots. Unfortunately, in a city with limited diversity, that is hard to achieve. I don't have the answers but I wish the parents tried harder to be more sensitive to the adoptees' roots.

[saltoft]

you are probably the most beautifull girl I have ever seen.

[SkyeAlta]

thanks for sharing your thoughts on this... i really want to adopt at some point, I have no idea from where. but i was just really surprised because i have two korean roommates (who were not adopted, have korean parents) and they both are very against international adoption. they feel like it's accessorizing with kids and following celebrities, which is really tough because I think adoption can really change the world. we are facing a population crisis and need to reconsider family planning.

[DJBouncey]

(My english is not the best)

Me and my biological brother is adopted from South Korea to Norway. We found our biological mother and we have very good contact with her now.

[kebobo]

I like your brain.

[sryididthis]

The fact that this young woman has to find solace for her segue between two heritages in her gotcha video to me is just sad. It's wonderful that she has a wonderful family, no doubt. But, she seems to comfort herself in the assumption that her biological family and home country would have been less than satisfactory (which she really has no way of knowing for sure). If you view your birth place and family as unsavory, than how can that not affect the way you view yourself?

[watershipdown2008]

Yes, you made a very relevant point. The thing is that adoption is so very complex that it takes a lifetime to process. Every adoption story begins with the absolute pain of separation. I believe that much of the rage felt by adoptees is connected to this primary separation and once a person begins to heal, it is possible to find comfort in the knowledge that some positive things came from the terrible sacrifice.

[sryididthis]

I disagree with the last point you made. I think that finding comfort in that way is a coping mechanism used to avoid the complete reality of the situation. I think the healing process starts when one begins to mourn...just like anyone else who has suffered any kind of loss.

[watershipdown2008]

I understand your concern over using comfort as a coping mechanism - when it is used instead of processing loss, which can be seen as too frightening to experience. A great deal of rage is part of the mourning experience, yet it is essential that adoptees feel the right to be able to voice that pain.

Also, I'm sure that the adoptee who posted this video does not think of her birth place and birth family as unsavory.

[sryididthis]

Her exact words were, "we were taken away from our culture because there was something they felt offered us more than what Korea could." To me that very clearly depicts a very typical American ideal that views other countries in a "less than" connotation. She obviously feels this has some legitimacy or else she would not have used this to make her case. That to me translates as having an unsavory viewpoint on her home country in respect to this country.

[watershipdown2008]

Yes, I can see how reasoning that one country or culture can offer more than another might not be the fairest of explanations. However, I don't feel that she is personally making less of her birth heritage. Regardless of country or race, birth parents throughout the world have made a choice to relinquish their children. In essence, for all adoptees, this is the heart of the issue. This is the silent pain and one that society must recognise as incredibly courageous.

[sryididthis]

I understand that and agree completely. But, there in lies the ethical issues with overseas adoption: there is no guarantee that these children are actually orphans or came from parents that gave them up. The Hague Convention was created to end this issue, but it is still very common. So, you have another issue of children going through this process unprecedentedly.

[watershipdown2008]

No adoptee should ever be made to feel 'grateful' for being 'rescued'.

[sryididthis]

@watershipdown2008  I completely agree

[JustaWyomingGirl]

@sryididthis WOW, I had a totally different interpretation of that statement. I thought she was referring to financial issues not the culture itself. I mean Korea is not a wealthy nation and, sad to say, the burden of helping a single mother or raising children in foster care or orphanages is something that they cannot easily shoulder. Again, that's just what I got from it. :)

[sryididthis]

@JustaWyomingGirl We've reported over 303,000 children entering the foster care system. But, reports showed South Korea's at 19,000. If the country's economy is a primary factor in the welfare of children on an individual basis, then why are the statistics so drastically different? Our population is 6 times theirs, but our foster care system is growing 15 times as fast. There is no basis for these kind of presumptions whether they are directed at the culture or the economy. It changes nothing.

[sryididthis]

@JustaWyomingGirl Separating a country's culture from their economy really isn't practical. It is the economy that drives the culture and vice versa. Within this, individuals will find their national pride and identity. So, regardless of whether or not this young lady was referencing the economy or the culture does not negate my original position that she has an understanding that where she is from is not as good. That's got to affect her self esteem. It would affect mine if

[watershipdown2008]

Thank you for posting your video on being adopted. You are so very well spoken, eloquent and mature.

[Taxidriverdeniro]

You are really hot. You have nothing to fear.

[Kirke182]

Overseas adoption is becoming too much of an industry. I really doubt that 3/4of Korean adopted overseas are orphans. I mean, whose checking?

[sryididthis]

@Kirke182 No one is. The Hague Convention was created to help alleviate this issue. But, most Americans that adopt internationally choose countries that have not signed the Hague treaty, so there are no laws in place to protect children from this kind of trafficking. South Korea is one of those countries that has not joined the Hague Convention. Usually, agencies in these countries will not ask questions when receiving a new child and often times will even forge the child's official documents.

[Lawgiver777]

Thanks for thr insight!!! Awesome video!!!

[danogus01]

Very interesting. I'm also a Korean Adoptee... just found your video and am going to look at some of your others. Perhaps you answer this in other videos what agency were adopted through?

[Echostarwb]

For typical white Western couples who want to adopt, Asia and specifically Korea is the place to go. And I would say 9 out of 10 would be girls. Whats the reason for this? Some people make the excuse that boys are preferred over girls and the one child policy, but that's not so in Korea. It's seems when you see an adopted Asian kid it always seems to be girls. what's the Western fascination with the girls and not the boys?

[QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

Why should overseas adoptions end?

We're all human beings? I think some didn't feel comfortable having non-Asian parents and they were robbed of their culture. How many Americans have their original culture? I guess since Asians look different and Koreans are very nationalistic, so it can be a lot of pressure for some of the adoptees. The thing is Koreans don't like to adopt Koreans who are not related by blood. They won't adopt Koreans or anything..

[PushNShove2]

Wow, hot.

[FreeUpYourMind]

Great points. Thank you for sharing.

[snbatman]

Why do the American parents have to adopt from overseas? There are plenty of domestic, American children everyday looking for a parent to adopt them? That's the real question.

I am a Korean adoptee as well, btw.

[aliciayuy]

I think it has a lot to do with the fact that most kids in foster care in the US are there not because they have no parents, but because their birth parents are neglectful, abusive, abandoned the kid, etc...So those birth parents often show up a few years later and try to take custody.

[pathologygeek]

but once adopted that means that the birth parents rights were terminated.. they can not come back and try to take custody.. this is a myth.. but unfortunately the myth keeps people from looking into it... my husband and i were set on Int'l adoption for some of those reasons until we realized that the birth parents can't come back after our adoption thru fostercare is finalized

[sryididthis]

@aliciayuy The way the system works is once a child has been taken out of their biological parent's custody, the parent is given so many opportunities to get the child back(this is at the judge's discretion) either they get the child back, or their rights are terminated. Once your rights have been terminated there is no going back years down the line. It's done. That's why there are so many kids that spend their entire lives in the system.

[sryididthis]

@snbatman I ask myself the same question. So many people will legitimize going to other countries to adopt by saying, "No one in this country will adopt these kids..." But, it's the same problem here in the US! And we have A LOT more orphans than most countries. It has even gotten to the point that many states will pay people stipends to foster or adopt certain kids, yet Americans will spend tens of thousands of dollars to get a child from half way across the world instead...

[tigertank06]

@snbatman i think that it's harder to adopt here in the states so that's why american parents adopt overseas.

[slappymcgroundout]

Steph, you can shorten the video to that one part re all of the descriptions but never mind since I'm loved. All else is mere dog and pony show. The fatal flaw in the opposing argument is simply that you don't have to be adopted to sustain the loss. Just ask the Irish in America. Sure, we've a parade, but who speaks Gaelic? Some others share the experience. And if there was a chance at do over, I tell them to get on that boat as they were right the first time.

[mynameishanjoo]

HELLO...... I am a Korean immigrant and I LOVE Americans. Nobody discriminated against me. I oppose Korean oversea adoption, we have lowest birthrate in the world and our population will shrink at uncontrollable pace in few years. Korean government is already restricting overseas adoption thank god.

[slappymcgroundout]

The ROK is caught between a rock and a hard place. Low birthrate at 1.5 or so, but 4th or so in population density. Thinking about teaching English to the locals, and everyone says, Seoul, to which I say, concrete jungle. If I do decide and all goes well, hoping Jeju (I live on a volcanic rock here (HNL) so might as well do so there).

[bskil]

but if no one is adopting these children, what do you make of them? they can't have a better life. they'd just grow up in an orphanage and be lost in society when they're let go...

[sryididthis]

@bskil What about all of our children that really do grow up without families that society lets go?

[bskil]

@sryididthis thats...what im saying..?

[sryididthis]

@bskil Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought what you were saying is that if no one adopts these children overseas they will become lost in society. What I am saying is that is exactly what is happening to children in the United States. So many people reach out to children who need homes across the world and by doing so we are neglecting the thousands of American children who go hungry and suffer every day at the hands of our society's neglect towards our own youth.

[Kirke182]

@sryididthis Face it: most of these American kids you speak of are black and most American adoptive families are white. They'd rather go to Korea to adopt than to adopt a black child. When it comes to adopting Far Easterners they tell you race doesn't matter. When you ask why they didn't adopt an American black child, race becomes the prime determinant. Far Easterners are 2nd fiddle whites to them. Not as good as the real thing but will probably be successful.

[sryididthis]

@Kirke182 A lot of the children that are caught in the system here in the United States are African American; yes. Most people that adopt here in the United States are white; yes. I do think that for many people who adopt that is a determining factor, but I don't think it is that cut and dry. This being that Asian countries are not the only countries that Americans adopt from. Ethiopia and Guatemala are both extremely popular as well. Those children are definitely not from the East.

[Kirke182]

@sryididthis Let me clarify my position: it's not just the skin color, it's how they see black Americans socially. Whites in America associate black Americans with drugs, gangs, unruly behavior, prisons, dropping out of school, low achievement, unsuccessful--children from other countries can't be associated with those things because they are not American. I didn't say blacks generally, I said black Americans.

[sryididthis]

@Kirke182 I see what you are saying. I do see your point of view, though I do not feel that affects why so few Americans adopt African American children. First off it is important to recognize that the reason so many adoptive families in the US are white is because most adoption agencies/social workers target a certain population when recruiting. This is typical upper middle class white families. Though now, because of research developments many are trying to place children with their

[sryididthis]

@Kirke182 Also, it is becoming increasingly popular for African American children to be adopted internationally to countries like Germany and Australia. I think that for most people who are from a first world country, when they are looking to adopt they seek out children in the 'most need', which often causes them to overlook their own country's children who are in need. I do agree that a lot of people that adopt internationally are concerned with the child's appearance being socially acceptable

[Kirke182]

@sryididthis I know nothing about the adoption habits of other countries.

[sryididthis]

@Kirke182 respective ethnic groups. It is perfectly normal for people seeking to adopt to want to adopt a child who looks similar to them and their families, which is why it is much more of a challenge to find healthy white babies in America that are up for adoption. They are in high demand. So, you have an influx of people adopting from Eastern European countries like Russia and Estonia. I think because of the racial history in the US, there is a stronger stigma attached when you have white

[sryididthis]

@sryididthis families with black children. I think that it is more 'acceptable' socially to see white families with Asian babies. I think that is why you have so many people traveling out of consideration for what their family and the child will experience. Also, there is a stigma attached to the Child Welfare System in the US. It can be an arduous and exhausting process adopting period, but especially from our system! I think this is a huge reason why there is an influx in people choosing

[sryididthis]

@Kirke182 alternative forms of adoption like international. I don't think the low number of African Americans being adopted is because people view them as drug addled gangbangers. I think the low number has more to do with the low number of African Americans adopting children. African Americans have the highest number in fostering children, but a low number in adopting.

[Kirke182]

@sryididthis Well, you're all over the map now--saying it isn't race then you say it is race, then you say it's socially acceptable then you that has nothing to do with it. So I'm going to end this by saying it IS race and it IS social status. That's what drives this whole thing.

[sryididthis]

@Kirke182 I'm not "all over the map"...I am simply dissecting this issue from all angles while you are content with looking at it singularly. The problems with international adoptions and domestic adoptions and adoptions of African American children has a lot more layers to it than white people's perception of African Americans. It all affects each other like a well orchestrated labyrinth. Even with this you have a larger number of white people adopting African American children than black ppl

[ediecago]

An adoptive family should honor and share the culture of the adoptee. Our son has already visited his birth country, seen his birth relatives, and we participate in his country's culture here. But children need parents.

[basketball19283]

One day, all the pain you have from being separated from your natural mom will come to the surface. Maybe not for many years, but one day it will come. The way you feel now is fine, but what is it about being perfect that so enthralls you?

[CathRun08]

"umbrella statement on behalf of all adoptees"...good for you for recongnizing that for what it was...there is a lot of that around. I adopted a son from Korea, and I never believed that the US could offer him "more". I believed that I could offer him more than a life in an orphanage. Having travelled over the world and being a first generation American myself, I love this country but realize I could be just as happy living in any number of countries. A shame more Americans don't realize this.

[koni1314]

cute...

[Ryotsutsu]

TEXAS!!!! :DDDDDDDDDDD

[lelangir]

Hmmm this is pretty cool. So you grew up in a predominantly white community but you seem "fine". Read Jane Jeong Trenka's books, and you can see the flipside of your case - a case wherein a Korean Adoptee grows up in a predominantly white community and suffers some real bad psychological damage.

It just means that, as you said, the agency can be in the individual, and the community/structure/environmen­t doesn't always decide everything.

[cyberman1203]

who ever profits from adopting a child should be punished

[kyungmee100]

It's funny. Now I am seeing your videos pop up everywhere. When I was first adopted, my elementary school had a party for me. It was very nice but embarressing at the same time. Then, I did not know any English and was still in Culture Shock. Anyway, There were very few 'asians' around. I can relate to so many aspects of your video. This is very wonderful way to reach out and even give insight to those adopting! -KyungMee

[cbrun67176]

Who adopts a child of a different race and pretends they aren't that race. When the whole world for there lifetime see's then as the race they are.What about this is healthy for the child again??

[Stardusk]

Having lived and worked in Korea, I think every adopted Korean person should be grateful they are NOT in Korea.

[asian897]

what do you mean by that? Is there something wrong with Korea? I really think that Korea's a cool country...I don't see what the problem is.

[Duardn]

Stardusk is right, you would feel nearly suicidal from working, studying too much in Korea. at least thats how most korean teens feel, they are under a lot more pressure. but that doesn't necessarily mean US is better place to live than Korea.

US def offer peaceful lifestyle for some people. but not everyone wants that kind of lifestyle.

[cbrun67176]

I do feel that any family that adopts a child from another race has a responsibility to give that child the most diverse up bringing they can provide.

[elvisghost100]

Spoken by a true demented liberal. Why would you have to bring up a child with a diverse upbringing? Why not raise the child you would your own?

[Stardusk]

Not sure if that was addressed to me, life anywhere in the West is 100x better than life in Korea. Koreans are miserable fucks, never mind all the trash and pollution.

[cyberman1203]

feed world hunger....

[kpxshininglove]

cuz if you're adopting transracially, you cant deny the fact that the child has a diff. background from their white parents. if you're not adopted and don't have this background you shouldn't insult or call someone demented. You have no clue. Im thankful that my parents emphasized how special and important my cultural background is. I came to embrace all aspects of my life. I know adoptees who "hate" being asian and are trapped trying hard to deny what they are on the outside...

[QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

I think the fact that someone has non-Asian parents will matter less and less since America is a rather mixed country. This was more out of the norm 20 years ago, but being mixed is now more and more commonplace. I think people who have non-Asian parents may look at this differently since things have changed a bit.

[kpxshininglove]

(continued from last post) ... because their parents never gave showed them opportunities to learn about and grow to love themselves for who they are- inside and outside appearance.

[Addix1304]

When it comes down to the heart of the matter. If your unprepared to have a child, there's abstinence or the use of a condom. I mean, you hear how much of a disgrace it is to be born a bastard child than why the disregard? It kinda feels like my mother made a mistake, and now I have to deal with it. This is my opinion, its a negative one..but its from the heart.

[Madeline4810]

What a sweetheart you are. Thank you for sharing your experience so eloquently so we adoptive parents can learn from it. My husband and I just adopted a baby girl from Vietnam. She is our first and probably only child. We love her to bits.

[Suisyo]

Very well said. I think you put this into perspective. I watched the video you referred to in here, and I was appalled at the idea of banning overseas adoption. Of course there are plenty of children in our home countries who need to be adopted, but in today's world community I think uniting is more important, and all the children of the world deserve a fair chance at a good home, and a loving family regardless of the family's heritage or nationality. This really is a huge topic.

[BrainVVashed]

i know that you're probably curious about ur real parents.. just wondering.. how does your parents feel? what are you going to do after u find ur real parents? thanks!

[hsghsgha]

Very beautifully spoken! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am an adoptive father to two girls from China (ages 10 and 5). We have always been very open with them about their adoption and have done all that we can to maintain their Chinese heritage. My wife is from Cambodia, so we are an international family! :o)

The best to you and your future! From hearing your speak, it is obvious that you are going to go very far in life!

[Pharsphere]

Heh - should have done this vid topless. More views!

[lsunran]

Hey I concur! On pretty much everything. I'm a Korean adoptee too! I wish you all the luck. As well, I feel like making a video, haha! It's good to hear good things about adoption, because it really is a beautiful thing and it's given me the opportunity and a life that I love and would never trade. I went to Korea, taught English for a year and a half, and really, I don't want to be a Korean woman there. It's just not for me.

[vincisbench]

I know being a korean woman sucks I am female korea lol

I know what you are talking about!!!

[sniperx29x]

@vincisbench I hear that sometimes. Too bad for them.

[mack6567]

Thank you for making this video. I am about to leave in 3 weeks to adopt a little girl from Taiwan who was abandoned. God bless you. Your parents are very lucky to have a wonderful angel like you. :)

[seoulflower]

thank you for clarifying for me, yes, i am part of a small pop that is working to help korea work toward more and different solutions than ICA, such as improving the rights and lives of women, education korean society on single parenting, sex education etc....

[deck2233]

When I move to Thailand in 2010, I will be adopting a child. What has happend to you is Gods will. Korea can be a difficult place to grow up. Well said. ---From Suwon---

[yeongjoo]

I'm a Korean adoptee as well and I think this was beautifully said. In high school I was in a graduating class of 250 but I was one of two Asians in my class so, I feel ya!

Some people have so much anger about being adopted but I also feel like you conveyed my feelings on the subject exactly... but I never celebrated my gotcha day... :(

[nicolemama3]

I am so grateful you would post this. I have always wanted to adopt though I don't know yet when or how. I have 3 bio girls and I can still bear children. I am just wanting to do what is right for the children. I would do it only out of pure love. If there are children who are already born who NEED a loving family, that is what I seek.

[mohanlon45]

As a soon to be adoptive parent thank you so much for your heart felt commentary on inter country adoption. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see in you how much love there is in your family and what an encouragement it is.

[Melimoo]

you are my hero!

very beautifully said and i totally agree.

i wish more overseas adoptees would consider diverse points of view like you have.

[stephxhoney]

thank you--

i read your comment on one of the other adoption videos. i was also disturbed by some of the other comments (hence, the choice to start my own video blogs). glad there are other adoptees who have had a positive experience.

[iamyellowman]

will you marry me?

[stephxhoney]

lol... what a romantic proposal.

[iamyellowman]

heh, blunt and to the point. so, whaddya say?

[miked98032]

The sad fact is people of all different races will experience racism at some point of their life. Whites, blacks, asians, hispanics, native americans, jews, ect... No one is exempt.