Navigating the Search for Roots: Tips for Korean Adoptees Inspired by Rebecca Kimmel's Journey

Rebecca Kimmel's journey in searching for her roots is a poignant example of the challenges faced by many Korean adoptees. Her experience offers valuable insights and tips for others on a similar quest:

Tips for Other Korean Adoptees Searching for Their Roots

  1. Request Information from Adoption Agencies:
    • Start by reaching out to your adoption agency for any available information about your adoption. This can include documents, photos, and any other details that might help in your search.
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  1. Contact the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC):
    • If the adoption agency does not provide satisfactory information, contact the South Korean government’s National Center for the Rights of the Child. They can assist with family searches and provide additional resources.
  2. Prepare for Long and Complex Searches:
    • Understand that birth searches can take months and are not always successful. Less than a fifth of those who have asked for help since 2012 have managed to reunite with relatives due to inaccurate records or falsified documents.
  3. Consider DNA Testing:
    • DNA testing can be a powerful tool. You can register your DNA with South Korean police or diplomatic offices, or with local police stations if you travel to South Korea. This can help cross-reference your genetic information with South Korea’s national DNA database for missing persons.
  4. Join Adoptee and Volunteer Groups:
    • Participate in online forums and groups where adoptees share their experiences and tips. Groups like Banet and Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link provide support, connect adoptees with government and police, and offer translation services during meetings with Korean relatives.
  5. Publish Your Story in South Korean Media:
    • If other methods fail, consider publishing your story in South Korean media. This can sometimes help in reaching out to potential relatives or individuals who might have information about your birth family.
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  1. Be Persistent and Patient:
    • The search process can be emotionally taxing and filled with false starts and disappointments. Stay persistent and patient, as it may take multiple attempts and years to find meaningful information or reunite with relatives.
  2. Leverage Commercial DNA Tests:
    • Utilize commercial DNA tests popular in the West. Nonprofit groups like 325 Kamra help adoptees upload their commercial test results to databases, which can facilitate connections with birth families.
  3. Attend Adoptee Gatherings and Events:
    • Participate in events organized for adoptees, such as the Overseas Korean Adoptees Gathering in Seoul. These gatherings can provide support, share success stories, and offer new leads in your search.
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  1. Stay Informed About Legal and Policy Changes:
    • Keep up-to-date with changes in South Korean adoption laws and policies that might affect your search. Advocacy groups are working to improve the rights of adoptees and the accuracy of adoption records.
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Rebecca Kimmel's journey, though fraught with challenges, also highlights the resilience and determination of adoptees in their quest for identity. By following these tips and staying connected with support networks, other adoptees can navigate their own searches more effectively.
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