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flag South Korea’s president apologized for past adoption abuses, acknowledging state-led human rights violations and committing to reform.

flag South Korean President Lee Jae Myung issued a formal apology on October 2, 2025, for widespread abuses in the country’s foreign adoption programs, acknowledging state responsibility for human rights violations. flag The apology followed findings by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and court rulings that confirmed fraud, falsified records, and children taken without consent, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. flag The government’s role in facilitating adoptions driven by cost-cutting motives was highlighted, with a 2024 investigation revealing around 200,000 children were placed abroad under questionable circumstances. flag In response, South Korea ratified the Hague Adoption Convention in July, which took effect October 1, 2025, to strengthen safeguards. flag The president pledged to establish systems protecting adoptees’ rights and supporting reunions with birth families.

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