On March 26, 2025, the South Korean Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) concluded that the government violated human rights in connection with the overseas adoption of Korean children. The Commission found systemic failures rooted in inadequate legislation, poor oversight, and inadequate administrative procedures, resulting in widespread rights violations.

The findings followed an extensive investigation that reviewed archival materials and adoption records from four major adoption agencies, along with petitions filed by 367 overseas adoptees. The investigation also included interviews with relevant individuals and a thorough review of government and agency documents.

The TRC identified multiple structural problems in the intercountry adoption process. These included a cost-driven policy that prioritized overseas adoption as a cheaper alternative to developing domestic child welfare systems, a focus on expedited procedures over lawful and careful adoption practices, and the delegation of authority to private adoption agencies without adequate government oversight.

The Commission determined that the state violated adoptees’ rights under the South Korean Constitution and international agreements. It concluded that the government failed to uphold its duty to protect basic human rights by enacting insufficient legislation, providing inadequate oversight, and neglecting proper administrative procedures while sending large numbers of children abroad.