What's Happening?
South Korea has announced plans to phase out foreign adoptions by 2029, responding to pressure from the United Nations to address past abuses in its adoption system. The decision comes as part of broader reforms to tighten welfare policies for children
in need of care. The country has seen a significant decline in foreign adoptions, from over 6,000 annually in the 1980s to just 24 in 2025. The South Korean government aims to restructure the adoption system into a public framework, increasing its role in the approval process and promoting domestic adoptions. This move follows criticism from UN investigators regarding past human rights violations, including falsified records and abuses in the adoption process.
Why It's Important?
The decision to end foreign adoptions marks a significant shift in South Korea's approach to child welfare and international adoption. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to address historical injustices and ensure the protection of children's rights. The move could have implications for international adoption practices globally, as other countries may follow suit in reassessing their policies. For South Korea, this decision is part of a broader effort to improve child welfare and address past abuses, which could enhance its international reputation. However, it also raises questions about the future of children in need of care and the capacity of domestic systems to provide adequate support.
What's Next?
South Korea will need to implement comprehensive reforms to support domestic adoptions and ensure the welfare of children who would have otherwise been adopted internationally. This may involve increasing resources for child welfare services and developing new policies to support families. The government will also need to address the backlog of inaccurate adoption records and provide reparations for past abuses. Internationally, the decision may prompt discussions on the ethics and practices of international adoption, potentially leading to changes in global adoption policies. South Korea's progress in these areas will be closely monitored by human rights organizations and the international community.
