THIS MONTH IN THE KOREAN ADOPTEE COMMUNITY - SEPT 2024

Photo courtesy of Jon Oaks. Korean Adoptees celebrating Chuseok at Noori Pocha Korean Gastropub in Clawson, MI.

THIS MONTH IN THE KOREAN ADOPTEE COMMUNITY

BY JON OAKS

For many Korean adoptees, traditional holidays like Chuseok hold a unique significance. They represent not only a cultural celebration but also an opportunity to connect with their heritage and identity in a meaningful way. This year's Chuseok was particularly poignant, given the recent  AP News article that exposed the troubling history of international adoption practices in South Korea, revealing systemic fraud and unethical conduct. Despite these revelations, Chuseok continues to serve as a reminder of adoptees' unique journeys and the diverse ways in which families are defined and experienced.

Communities and organizations supporting Korean adoptees often host Chuseok gatherings, creating supportive environments where adoptees can connect, share their experiences, and foster a sense of community and understanding.

This year, the Korean adoptee community saw a variety of Chuseok celebrations, including members from the Michigan Korean Adoptees (MIKA) Facebook Group attending the Chuseok Party at the University of Michigan Nam Center for Korean Studies and members from the Ohio KADs (Korean Adoptees) Facebook Group attending the Inaugural Celebrate Korea! Moon Festival hosted by the Ohio Korean American Pungmool Nori Drumming Group.

In essence, Chuseok is more than just a cultural celebration for Korean adoptees; it offers a meaningful way for them to reflect on their own stories within the broader tapestry of Korean culture.