In a historic move, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung issued a heartfelt apology for the country’s state-sanctioned malpractices in sending tens of thousands of children overseas for adoption. The apology comes after an official inquiry earlier this year held the government accountable for fraudulent practices, including falsifying documents and switching identities, in facilitating adoptions during the 1970s and 1980s. This program, which began after the Korean War, was initially intended to remove mixed-race children from society but ultimately violated human rights and led to unjust human rights violations.
President Lee’s apology marks the first formal acknowledgment of the harm caused by the adoption scheme, with many children being wrongfully taken or even stolen from their biological parents. The government’s role in easing adoptions through unethical practices has left a lasting impact on families and individuals affected by the program. The president’s statement reflects a commitment to addressing past wrongs and seeking reconciliation with those impacted by the adoption scheme.
Furthermore, South Korea’s president has also taken action to address recent anti-foreign protests in the country, labeling them as “self-destructive and totally useless.” The move underscores the government’s stance on promoting inclusivity and tolerance in a diverse society.
The apology and condemnation of anti-foreign protests highlight South Korea’s efforts to reckon with its past and foster a more inclusive and equitable society. By acknowledging historical wrongs and taking steps to address present challenges, the government aims to uphold human rights and promote social cohesion.
Overall, President Lee’s apology and stance on anti-foreign protests signal a commitment to rectifying past injustices and fostering a more inclusive society in South Korea.
Political Bias Index: Green (Neutral)
References:
1. “A Correspondent’s Notes: Day Two in Hospice” – [https://newsblaze.com/usnews/health/a-correspondents-notes-day-two-in-hospice_208680/]
2. “South Korea president apologises for abusive foreign adoption scheme” – [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/2/south-korea-president-apologises-for-abusive-foreign-adoption-scheme?traffic_source=rss]
3. “South Korean president offers ‘heartfelt apology’ for baby export malpractices” – [https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3327601/south-korean-president-offers-first-formal-apology-unjust-baby-export-malpractices?utm_source=rss]
4. “South Korea prepares for possible Northern attack during Taiwan war” – [https://defence-blog.com/south-korea-prepares-for-possible-northern-attack-during-taiwan-war/]
5. “S. Korean president apologises over foreign adoptions of stolen children” – [https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20251002-south-korean-president-apologises-foreign-adoptions-1970-1980s-children-stolen-from-birth-parents]
6. “South Korean president takes action to end ‘self-destructive’ anti-foreigner protests” – [https://news.sky.com/story/south-korean-anti-foreigner-protests-self-destructive-and-must-end-says-president-13442582]
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