I was born in Jinhae, South Korea to a poor woman in the Seo Yo Ak Maternity Home without the support of any family or friends. The country was rapidly changing and the law at the time allowed her to legally and immediately relinquish me without any counsel or assistance.
I spent the first few months of my life under the care of the Eastern Social Welfare Society, and was assigned a number instead of a name, “86c-584.”
A foster mother took care of me before a volunteer named Lois A. took me to the USA, holding me for the entirety of the 12+ hour flight.
I was then adopted when I was four months old by a loving family in Fort Worth, Texas.
Although I wasn’t equipped with the words to articulate this at the time, it was challenging to grow up in a predominantly white culture and context and to be so far removed from people who looked like me. But luckily, I’ve been able to build many strong relationships with other Korean adoptees from around the world.
I haven’t always felt this way, but I’ve learned to love being Korean.
As for my biological parents, in 2009 I started looking, and in 2010 I was able to reunite with my mother after nearly 30 years of separation.
I have learned so much from other adoptees throughout the years. If sharing my story helps even one other person feel more powerful or confident, then I’ll be happy.
My most recent accomplishment was running a marathon. This year, I want to start my own business and work on my debt.
One day, I want to buy a house, build a family, and invest everything I can in my neighborhood and community.
