Thank you for supporting AK
Connection 

Dear AK Connection Community,

Give to the Max Day reminded us once again how deeply this community cares. Thank you to every donor, every sharer, and every supporter who helped lift up AK Connection. Your generosity fuels the cultural, educational, and social programs that continue to nurture adult Korean adoptees across Minnesota and beyond.

If you weren’t able to donate during GTMD, we want you to know:
It’s absolutely okay — and you can still give at any time. You can also share and bid on the Fender Strat Buddy Guy Guitar, estimated value of $1,200.








Bidding ends Sunday Nov 30 at 9 PM. 

Our commitment to community isn’t limited to one day, and neither is the opportunity to support it.
Donate anytime

Thank you for being part of this important work.
We are grateful for you — today and every day.

Sincerely,
AK Connection Board

Help Support AK Connection

Since 2000, AK Connection has served as a resource for adult Korean Adoptees, their families, and communities in Minnesota. As a non-profit organization led by all Korean Adoptees, we provide cultural, educational, and social programming for our Korean Adoptee community. This work would not be possible without community members donating their time, resources, and skills to AK Connection.

UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

October 12: Chuseok Celebration
with AK Connection

Join us for a fun and laid-back gathering for Korean adoptees, families, and friends in honor of Chuseok! Hanji Crew will guide us through an all-ages hanji craft. Snacks will be provided, including kimbap!

Space Limited - Registration Required: Limit one project per person and 4 projects per household. All attendees are expected to adhere to our guidelines to ensure a respectful and welcoming environment.

Date: October 12, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: 4800 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429 (Crystal Community Center - Crystal Room)

• Early-bird pricing ($75 GA / $100 VIP) ends at 11:59 PM on October 7, 2025. 
• Regular pricing ($85 GA / $110 VIP) ends at 11:59 PM on October 21, 2025. 
• Late registration pricing ($100 GA / $125) ends at 11:59 PM on November 4, 2025.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

• October 6, 2025: Bridge to Korea tour information session (virtual event)
• October 11, 2025: KAM Center’s 25th Annivesary 
• October 13, 2025: KAAN: Reframing Chuseok (virtual event)
• October 16-19, 2025: Kimchi Healing Retreat (Hudson Valley, NY)
• April 16-19, 2026: Also-Known-As New York 30th Anniversary
• June 19-21, 2026: KAAN 2026 Conference

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

We had a blast at the Fall Social!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Steady Pour for our Fall Social! We loved catching up on what’s happening in your lives and meeting some new chingus/friends!

A special shout-out to Ellen Moodie for hosting us in such a beautiful space and for being our personal bartender for the evening—we’re so grateful for the time and care you gave to our group. We’re sure we’ll be back!

As you can probably imagine, our focus is now shifting to our Anniversary Celebration on November 8th—don’t forget to grab your tickets! □ Early-bird pricing ends next week, so be sure to register soon. We’re thrilled to see so many of you already signed up!

At the same time, we didn’t want to miss a chance to connect during Chuseok, one of Korea’s most meaningful holidays. For many adoptees, it can be challenging to find ways to honor this tradition. If you’re curious about how others are reframing Chuseok as Korean adoptees, we encourage you to check out KAAN’s virtual event: “Reframing Chuseok” on October 13.

Happy Chuseok! 추석 잘 보내세요!

Seeking Community Input for Roots & Reflections

A Support Circle for Korean Adoptees
At this time, AK Connection and fellow Korean adoptee and therapist, Megan Nyberg, MA, LPCC are in consideration of how best to continue creating and providing a safe space for adult Korean Adoptees in Minnesota to come together and discuss their experiences. Your input is extremely valuable and helps us improve future sessions and programming for our community. 

Community Input for Roots & Reflections

Help Support AK Connection

Since 2000, AK Connection has served as a resource for adult Korean Adoptees, their families, and communities in Minnesota. As a non-profit organization led by all Korean Adoptees, we provide cultural, educational, and social programming for our Korean Adoptee community. This work would not be possible without community members donating their time, resources, and skills to AK Connection.

UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

September 19: Fall Social for Adult Korean Adoptees at Steady Pour

Join us for a fun and welcoming social gathering for adult Korean adoptees and their plus ones—come connect, relax, and build community together. More details coming soon!

Space Limited - Registration Required: Please register by 5:00 PM on September 17, 2025, to help us with our preparations. All attendees are expected to adhere to our guidelines to ensure a respectful and welcoming environment.

Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 6:30-9:30
Location: Steady Pour (2125 E Hennepin Ave Suite 205, Minneapolis, MN 55413)

COMMUNITY EVENTS

September 13, 2025: Mosaic’s “We the Experts: Adoptees & Disordered Eating
September 13, 2025: KAtCH Fundraiser: Chicago Fire Tailgate 
September 20, 2025: Korean Culture Festival
September 27, 2025: Self-Care Workshop by Adoptee Hub
April 16-19, 2026: Also-Known-As New York 30th Anniversary
June 19-21, 2026: KAAN 2026 Conference

Seeking Community Input for Roots & Reflections

A Support Circle for Korean Adoptees
At this time, AK Connection and fellow Korean adoptee and therapist, Megan Nyberg, MA, LPCC are in consideration of how best to continue creating and providing a safe space for adult Korean Adoptees in Minnesota to come together and discuss their experiences. Your input is extremely valuable and helps us improve future sessions and programming for our community. 

Community Input for Roots & Reflections

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Thank you for another amazing Summer Picnic!

Whether folks stopped by just for a bit or stayed the whole night, this evening was a wonderful reminder of the strength and joy of coming together as a community. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this evening so special. And thank you to the board members and Myonghee Kimchi for cooking up a feast! 

This event is always a highlight of our year, welcoming new faces into the fold while also bringing longtime community members back together. Speaking of longtime community members… Can you help us solve this mystery? Someone dropped off a vintage AK Connection tshirt by our donation box. Do you know who it was?

A special shout out to the community members who came early and stayed late to help us set up and clean up. We were not expecting that, but we are so grateful… and sorry about those mosquito bites! We couldn’t do these events without the support from our amazing community. We deeply appreciate all of the contributions and engagement you all provide. We can’t wait to celebrate AK Connection’s 25th Anniversary with you! Look out for a dedicated email about that event soon!

Take care,
AK Connection Board of Directors

Help Support AK Connection

Since 2000, AK Connection has served as a resource for adult Korean Adoptees, their families, and communities in Minnesota. As a non-profit organization led by all Korean Adoptees, we provide cultural, educational, and social programming for our Korean Adoptee community. This work would not be possible without community members donating their time, resources, and skills to AK Connection.

Seeking AK Connection Board Members and Volunteers

Since 2000, AK Connection has served as a resource for adult Korean Adoptees, their families, and communities in Minnesota. As a non-profit organization led by all Korean Adoptees, we provide cultural, educational, and social programming for our Korean Adoptee community. 

This work would not be possible without community members donating their time, resources, and skills to AK Connection. If you are interested in serving on our board or volunteering, please fill out an interest form - we’re looking forward to hearing from you!

UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

August 9: AK Connection Picnic 

                  

We hope to see you for our annual picnic! Korean adoptees and loved ones of all ages are welcome. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, it’s going to be a day to remember. We can't wait! 
               
Registration Required: Please register by August 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM, to help us with our preparations. All attendees are expected to adhere to our guidelines to ensure a respectful and welcoming environment. 

Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Jaycees Shelter (2540 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville, MN 55113)

September 19: Fall Social for Adult Korean Adoptees at Steady Pour

Join us for a fun and welcoming social gathering for adult Korean adoptees and their plus ones—come connect, relax, and build community together. More details coming soon!

Date: September 19, 2025
Time: TBD (evening)
Location: Steady Pour (2125 E Hennepin Ave Suite 205, Minneapolis, MN 55413)

COMMUNITY EVENTS

August 1, 2025: Deadline to apply for the Overseas Korean Adoptee Gathering (November 10-14, 2025)
August 4, 2025: Deadline to register for Network of Politicized Adoptees’ Histories & Cultures of American Transnational Adoption Course Series
September 20, 2025: Korean Culture Festival
September 27, 2025: Self-Care Workshop by Adoptee Hub
April 16-19, 2026: Also-Known-As New York 30th Anniversary

Seeking Community Input for Roots & Reflections

A Support Circle for Korean Adoptees
At this time, AK Connection and fellow Korean adoptee and therapist, Megan Nyberg, MA, LPCC are in consideration of how best to continue creating and providing a safe space for adult Korean Adoptees in Minnesota to come together and discuss their experiences. Your input is extremely valuable and helps us improve future sessions and programming for our community. 

Community Input for Roots & Reflections

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Crafts & Drafts Recap – Thank You for Joining Us!

We had a wonderful time at our Crafts & Drafts event earlier this month at Arbeiter Brewing Co.! Thank you to everyone who came out to create, connect, and celebrate community with us. From hanbok-themed crafts to Korean snacks and a special brewery tour with co-owners (and fellow Korean American adoptee) Kate Winkel and Juno Choi (fellow Korean American), we are so grateful for the chance to gather with adoptees, family, and friends of all ages—and for your continued support of AK Connection’s mission. 

If you missed the Crafts & Drafts or want to continue to make one of our Hanbok Origami here. 

Check out more photos from Crafts & Drafts on instagram.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the picnic!

Take care,
AK Connection Board of Directors

Help Support AK Connection

Since 2000, AK Connection has served as a resource for adult Korean Adoptees, their families, and communities in Minnesota. As a non-profit organization led by all Korean Adoptees, we provide cultural, educational, and social programming for our Korean Adoptee community. This work would not be possible without community members donating their time, resources, and skills to AK Connection.

Seeking AK Connection Board Members and Volunteers

Since 2000, AK Connection has served as a resource for adult Korean Adoptees, their families, and communities in Minnesota. As a non-profit organization led by all Korean Adoptees, we provide cultural, educational, and social programming for our Korean Adoptee community. 

This work would not be possible without community members donating their time, resources, and skills to AK Connection. If you are interested in serving on our board or volunteering, please fill out an interest form - we’re looking forward to hearing from you!

UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

July 20: Crafts & Drafts with AK Connection

We’re thrilled to return to Arbeiter Brewing Company for a social hour for Korean Adoptees and their loved ones with crafts, drafts and some Korean style snacks. Registration and more details to come out this week!

Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025
Time: 4 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Arbeiter Brewing Company (3038 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406)

August 9: AK Connection Picnic

Mark your calendars for our annual picnic! Korean adoptees and loved ones of all ages are welcome. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, it’s going to be a day to remember. We can't wait to see you there!

Date: August 9, 2025
Time: TBD (evening)
Location: Jaycees Shelter (2540 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville, MN 55113)

COMMUNITY EVENTS

July 7, 2025: Registration closes for Mu Explorations Camp by Theater Mu
July 11-13, 2025: Panda Fest Twin Cities
July 13, 2025: K-Pop World Festival USA Midwest Regional Round
July 14, 2025: Myonghee Kimchi’s Relish episode airs (now streaming online)
September 20, 2025: Korean Culture Festival
September 27, 2025: Self-Care Workshop by Adoptee Hub
April 16-19, 2026: Also-Known-As New York 30th Anniversary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Thank you for sticking together and rocking out with us!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Sticking Together: a POUND® Workout for the Korean Adoptee Community! Your energy, smiles, and rhythm made this an unforgettable experience for us. Many thanks to Aimee Sue Ladin for leading us through an empowering and fun-filled workout. 

Also, this past month, participants from Roots & Reflections: A Support Circle for Korean Adoptees gathered again as a follow-up from our March session. We are so grateful for the guidance from Megan Nyberg, MA, LPCC, for guiding and facilitating this follow-up, as well as Lynn Woo Yeong Sando, MA, LADCC, LPCC, who played a huge role in creating this safe space for our community.

We organized Roots & Reflections in response to our community’s need to reflect, share, and discuss the impact of the investigative reporting - Frontline: South Korea’s Adoption Reckoning and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Korean Adoptees all over the world are still searching for answers about what comes next. A community-based group, EARS on NCRC, has formed to report on the transfer process of our adoption files.

On July 7th, EARS is organizing a National Assembly Forum on Ethical Transfer of Overseas Adoption Records and State Responsibility, which will feature Korean Adoptee scholars and writers, as well as Korean scholars, writers, lawyers, and activists, urging President Lee Jae-Myung to ensure the safe transfer and historical preservation of our records. 
Registration for National Assembly Forum Livestream

Whether you’ve already explored your records, are just beginning, taking time to reflect, or feeling uncertain about your next steps, we see you, and we’re in this together. We’re seeking community input on how we continue our Roots & Reflections support circles, and we’d love to hear from you.
Community Input for Roots & Reflections

Take care,
AK Connection Board of Directors 

Seeking AK Connection Board Members and Volunteers

Since 2000, AK Connection has served as a resource for adult Korean Adoptees, their families, and communities in Minnesota. As a non-profit organization led by all Korean Adoptees, we provide cultural, educational, and social programming for our Korean Adoptee community. 

This work would not be possible without community members donating their time, resources, and skills to AK Connection. If you are interested in serving on our board or volunteering, please fill out an interest form - we’re looking forward to hearing from you!

UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

March 30: Roots & Reflections: A Support Circle for Korean Adoptees 

AK Connection is partnering with Korean Adoptee counselors Lynn Woo Yeong Sando, MA, LADCC, LPCC of Sando Wellness and Megan Nyberg, MA, LPCC, to create a supportive space for Korean Adoptees to come together and discuss the personal impact of recent and ongoing developments regarding South Korean adoption and adoption records. 

Registration closes today! 

When: Sunday, March 30 
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Where: Aspen Room in the Interpretive Center @ Westwood Hills Nature Center
(8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426)
 

April 19: Spring Social! 

Join us for a Korean Adoptee 18+ social dinner at Hoban in Eagan on Saturday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m.! Many of us have fond memories of connecting over a delicious meal at Hoban. Whether you're new to the community or a longtime member, we’d love to see you there! AK Connection will provide a selection of appetizers. Attendees are responsible for their own beverages and meals. 

When: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Where: Hoban (1989 Silver Bell Rd, Eagan, MN 55122)

RSVPs are required, so be sure to reserve your spot! One 18+ guest is welcome to accompany you as space is limited. Please let us know as soon as possible of any changes or cancellations.

May 3: Children's Day (Save the Date)

Join us to celebrate Children’s Day (어린이날), a Korean national holiday. We’ll share more details soon!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

March 14-30: When You Trap A Tiger at Stages Theater Company
March 27: Adoptees for Justice Monthly Community Call
By April 1: Register for Camp Choson For Early Bird Pricing
April 20: Adoptee Hub Bake N’ Chill
April 21: Adoption Mosaic: Adoptees with Physical Disabilities Zoom
By April 30: Participate in Omma Poom Art Exhibit (background on the exhibit)
June 20-22: KAAN Conference 
June 21 - July 1: Bridge to Korea - Birthland Tour

WHAT'S NEW

Seeking AK Connection Board Members and Volunteers

Since 2000, AK Connection has served as a resource for adult Korean Adoptees, their families, and communities in Minnesota. As a non-profit organization led by all Korean Adoptees, we provide cultural, educational, and social programming for our Korean Adoptee community. 

This work would not be possible without community members donating their time, resources, and skills to AK Connection. If you are interested in serving on our board or volunteering, please fill out an interest form - we’re looking forward to hearing from you!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Navigating the Adoption File Transfer Together

Summary: If you’re interested in accessing your Korean adoption file prior to it being transferred from your adoption agency to NCRC, but don't know where to start, check out this resource guide.

As many of you know, the Korean government is transferring Korean adoption files from individual adoption agencies to the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC) - a subset of the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. This file transfer is set to take place July 19, 2025. 

There are many unknowns about what this transfer means for Korean adoptees and our records. Here’s what we know right now (note that the situation is evolving and additional changes are likely coming): 

• In preparation for the file transfer, many individual U.S. and Korean adoption agencies are ending or winding down their own post-adoption services (e.g., birth family search, file reviews). 
• Korean adoptees have raised concerns about the way the file transfer is being facilitated in terms of what content is being transferred, records management, etc. This MBC video covers these concerns and has English subtitles (note: this content may be upsetting to watch). 
• After the files are transferred, Korean adoptees will work directly with NCRC for all adoption file-related requests and post-adoption services (e.g., birth family search; file review; adoption certificates - which are needed for applying for the F-4 visa, dual citizenship, Korean police DNA tests, etc.). After July 19, 2025, birth family search requests must be filed via NCRC’s website: https://www.kadoption.or.kr/en/ 

Because of these uncertainties, many Korean adoptees are interested in accessing their adoption file and beginning or continuing a birth family search prior to the file transfer. However, it can feel overwhelming to understand the steps to take. That's why AK Connection has put together a resource guide to support you in whatever step of the journey you’re on. This list is not exhaustive but should give you a solid place to start. 

Korean adoptees all over the world are searching for answers about what the process and access to our adoption files will look like after the transfer. Whatever you may be thinking and feeling, you are not alone. If you’re looking for a place to connect with other Korean adoptees in-person, we encourage you to join our support circle event in March (info and registration). 

We will all process this in our own way, and the change will bring experiences unique to each of us. Right now, it’s especially important to meet each other with extra care and compassion. Whether you’ve already looked into your files, are diving in headfirst, taking a step back to process, or feeling unsure of what to do next—we see you, and we’re in this together.

With care,
The AK Connection Board
 

UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

March 30: Roots & Reflections: A Support Circle for Korean Adoptees 

AK Connection is partnering with Korean Adoptee counselors Lynn Woo Yeong Sando, MA, LADCC, LPCC of Sando Wellness and Megan Nyberg, MA, LPCC, to create a supportive space for Korean Adoptees to come together and discuss the personal impact of recent and ongoing developments regarding South Korean adoption and adoption records. The event will be held on Sunday, March 30 from 2-4 p.m.

To ensure this event meets the community’s needs, please fill out our interest form. We will share more details – including location – on our Instagram and Facebook soon. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

March 5: Adoptees United Workshop For Intercountry Adoptees: Applying For Your Own Certificate of Citizenship
Starting March 5: KAAN Webinars on the Frontline Documentary South Korea’s Adoption Reckoning
March 14-30: When You Trap A Tiger at Stages Theater Company
March 22: Adoptee Literary Festival
By April 1: Register for Camp Choson For Early Bird Pricing
June 20-22: KAAN Conference 

WHAT'S NEW

Looking Ahead: What's Next For AK Connection (Leadership Update)

As AK Connection continues to grow and evolve, we’d like to share a planned leadership transition that reflects our ongoing commitment to serving the Korean adoptee community. It is with mixed emotions that we announce that AK Connection President David Moschkau has transitioned into an advisory role for our organization as of February. We are incredibly grateful for David’s work to create a foundation for AK Connection’s relaunch in 2023 and his steadfast commitment to the Korean adoptee community throughout the years.

In light of this change, we’re excited to announce that Kira Siegler, who previously served as our organization’s Secretary, is now the new President of AK Connection! Kira and David have been working closely on the transition to ensure a seamless handover. Additionally, we plan to open applications for new board members soon with an emphasis on those with grant writing and event management experience to help us take AK Connection into the future. Stay tuned for more details soon! 

Please join us in thanking David for his many contributions to AK Connection and congratulating Kira on her new role! Here are a few words from David and Kira on this transition:
 

"I am deeply honored to step into the role of President for AK Connection, and I am excited to continue collaborating and connecting with all of you as we continue our work to serve Korean Adoptees, our loved ones, and our amazing community. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible team that David Moschkau assembled, as well as all of his contributions and leadership through the years. 

As we approach AK Connection’s 25th anniversary, I encourage each of you to explore new ways of staying engaged. Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to our community, there will always be opportunities to contribute, learn, and grow alongside us. Your involvement enables AK Connection to serve our community.

감사합니다! Thank you all for your continued support and for being a part of AK Connection!"
--Kira Siegler

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Happy Seollal!

Thank you to everyone who joined AK Connection’s Seollal Celebration on February 15! It was an unforgettable afternoon as we welcomed the Year of the Snake together. We especially appreciate the donations we received to help offset the cost of this event for our community. As a nonprofit, we rely on community support and contributions of all kinds to keep events free or affordable—your generosity makes this all possible. Please consider donating, if you can. 


I had a lot of fun trying out a new approach to making tteokguk this year. Special thanks to David Moschkau, Kira Siegler, Myonghee Kimchi, and bb.q Chicken for helping make our meal a special one. And thank you to all of our board members and volunteers for their part in making this event possible. I’d also like to extend our great appreciation to Eva for her special gayageum performance! 

Thank you for Celebrating Seollal with AK Connection!
새해 복 많이 받으세요!