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February 2026

2/13/2026

 

UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

Lunar New Year at Arbeiter Brewing Co.

Join AK Connection at Arbeiter Brewing Company in honor of the Lunar New Year and our community here. 

Lunar New Year at Arbeiter Brewing Company
Saturday, February 7, 2026
12-9:30 PM
3038 Minnehaha Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55406


12 - 5 PM | Vendors & Performances
Come check out some amazing Asian American vendors, including Myonghee Kimchi (Korean adoptee-made kimchi and other Korean specialties). AK Connection will be there with hanbok origami supplies and selling our new t-shirts, mugs, bookmarks, and stickers from 12-5 PM. Performances spotlight two Korean adoptee/Korean American community favorites, Korean JangmiArts and Conor Lee!

6 - 9:30 PM | Noraebang Night
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Solo stars, dramatic duets, and chaotic group songs are all welcome. No pressure—just good vibes, singing, snacks, and community. Somaek (the iconic Korean mix of soju and beer) will be available for purchase, along with Arbeiter’s all-star lineup of brews. Food from a local vendor will be available for purchase until 8:00 PM, followed by a snack and ramen bar from AK Connection.

 











  









K-Number Film Screening with Director Jo
Co-Sponsored with the University of Minnesota

Date:Tuesday, February 10, 20
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM

Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, Pillsbury 120
University of Minnesota

Join us for a screening of Jo Seyoung's K-Number on February 10. This film follows a Korean adoptee's journey to learn about her birth family and adoption process, and examines the mechanisms, inconsistencies, and corruption in the international adoption system. A Q&A with the Director will follow the screening. Dinner will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. While registration is appreciated to help with planning, walk-ins for the event are also welcome!

Parking validation for University-affiliated parking facilities is available for community members courtesy of the Liberal Arts Engagement Hub. Information on parking and directions to The Hub can be found here. There is also some metered street parking in the nearby neighborhood, although these parking spots cannot be validated by the University of Minnesota. 

 
Sign Up

Seollal with Korean Cultural Association & Jangmi Arts

Saturday, February 21, 2026
Marimer Middle School
White Bear Lake, MN
 

AK Connection is helping out at the Korean Cultural Association and Jangmi Arts’ Seollal Celebration this year! Enjoy some amazing performances and find some one-of-a-kind items at the market.

Interested in participating as a vendor at the market?
Claim your table by February 8 by filling out this form - Vendor Sign-Up

Roots & Reflections
Virtual Sessions
Sunday, February 15, 2026 
Sunday, February 22, 2026 
1:00 - 3:00 PM

As many of us in Minnesota are feeling shaken, anxious, and overwhelmed by recent federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, AK Connection is hosting two virtual sessions of Roots & Reflections: A Support Circle for Korean Adoptees.

Roots & Reflections is facilitated by Megan Nyberg, LPCC, a licensed clinician and fellow Korean adoptee from Minnesota. These two sessions offer a supportive space for adult Korean adoptees living in Minnesota to process the emotional impact of ICE's presence in our communities and reflect on how immigration systems intersect with adoptee identity, family separation, and belonging.
Register

Seollal with AK Connection
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Pearl Park Recreation Center
414 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55419

AK Connection warmly invites all Korean adoptees, along with their family and friends, to join us in celebrating Seollal together as a community. Come enjoy hands-on crafts for all ages, games, and plenty of time to connect while welcoming the Lunar New Year.

As always, we’ll be serving up some holiday favorites, including tteokguk. How many rice cakes will you eat this year?

We look forward to celebrating, sharing traditions, and starting the new year together!
Register

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlighting Korean American and Adoptee community events

February 8: Adoptee Hub: Trans-National Adoptee Support Session (virtual)
February 14: Adoption Mosaic's We the Experts: Black Adoptees and the Complexities of Same Race Adoption
April 16-19: Also-Known-As New York 30th Anniversary
June 19-21: KAAN 2026 Conference
October 19-24: IKAA Korea Gathering 2026

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Dear Family, Friends, and Community,

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Winter Social—we loved seeing new faces and reconnecting with friends. A huge shoutout to fellow-KAD Ellen Minjoo and Steady Pour for hosting us in your beautiful space!













 

As we move into February, we want to pause and acknowledge the many layers people are carrying right now. This month invites reflection, tenderness, and honesty—about love, resistance, and how we continue to care for ourselves and one another. February is Black History Month. As Korean adoptees and Asian Americans—some with Black heritage in our DNA and lived experiences—we affirm our solidarity with Black communities past, present, and future. We honor Black histories of resistance, creativity, and survival, and recognize how our struggles for safety, dignity, and belonging are deeply connected. We recommit ourselves to learning, accountability, and action.

This February brings Seollal / Lunar New Year, a time of renewal and intention. We welcome the Year of the Fire Horse (Byeong-O)—not as fear or misfortune, but as clarity, movement, and collective courage. In a moment when many of us in our community are being forced to think about citizenship, documentation, and belonging, we hold fast to fierce love, resilience, and care for one another. You are not alone.

Building community is both an act of love and resistance. And it’s okay to step back; however you choose to engage, you belong. We hope to see you soon, whether at our upcoming events in February, including our Seollal celebration and other community events, or sometime in the future. Stay connected in whatever ways feel right for you—every act of care strengthens the fabric that holds us together.

With care,
Kira Siegler
President
AK Connection

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!
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
BOARD MEMBER INTEREST FORM

January 2026

2/13/2026

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Dear KAD's, Family, Friends, and Community

This past week has been heavy for many of us. Here in Minnesota, we’ve witnessed events that have shaken our sense of safety and belonging—especially the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good in South Minneapolis on January 7. Her loss comes at a moment when questions of safety, protection, and justice are already weighing heavily on our community. Ongoing events within Minnesota, across the country, and around the world continue to deeply impact families, neighbors, and communities.

For many of us as Korean adoptees—navigating complex questions around citizenship, paperwork, and belonging—these events can feel especially personal. They remind us of the fragility of legal and social protections, the ways systems can fail us, and the ongoing need to advocate for our safety and dignity. Resources such as Adoptee United’s Citizenship Clinic and Adoptee Rights Law may be helpful for those seeking guidance and legal support.

In the midst of everything, we are deeply moved by how people continue to show up with care and protection for one another. We will continue to organize programs and gatherings because we believe creating space for our community is an act of both care and resistance, while also incorporating hybrid and virtual options to support accessibility. Coming together to build connection, share joy, and tell our stories on our own terms matters—especially in moments when our belonging is questioned. When systems fail us, community becomes how we protect one another and build something better together.

At the same time, we honor and support your choices to stay home or step back from community events as needed. Choosing to step back is an act of self-protection and care for your well-being. And however you do choose to engage, every connection, every story shared, and every act of care strengthens our connections with one another and with the broader community. As we look ahead, we invite you to get involved in whatever ways feel possible for you.

We are saying a heartfelt goodbye to Jenn Amatya as she completes her term on the board—please see her letter below. We are deeply grateful for her time, care, and leadership, and she will always remain an important part of this community. For those interested in joining the board, we welcome you to submit your interest. We are also seeking volunteers to support events and programming in the months ahead. In particular, we are looking for a photographer to help capture the meaningful moments we share as a community. If you love telling stories through images, we would love to connect.

Thank you for being part of this community, especially during times that ask so much of us. Your presence, care, and commitment make this work possible.

In care and solidarity,
Kira Siegler
President, AK Connection

--

Beautiful KAD Community,

After two years serving as a general board member, I’m stepping down. The next year brings some significant transitions for my family, as all three kids start new schools, and I will be needed in other areas.

Our amazing board (of now four people) needs your help to continue quality programming. Kira, Denis, Kip, and Tara are incredible to work with. I think it’s rare to have an all-volunteer board that is genuinely thoughtful, kind, selfless, and hard-working. There’s a deep love and respect for our community within each of them, and I’m grateful to know that we have such dedicated leadership. They cannot do it alone. If serving on the board sparks your interest or curiosity, please do reach out to them.

No, more than ever, we need to lean on one another. Let’s continue to connect, grow, and be a source of love and support, and make spaces where we can be our authentic KAD-selves.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you two wonderful years full of great memories and lots of laughs. It has been an honor to serve you all. 

With gratitude,

Jenn Amatya

UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

Winter Social with AK Connection (21+)
               

Join us for a casual and relaxed evening at Steady Pour! Catch up, meet new faces. A place to share what's ahead for you, our community, and make connections. Come and hang out with us as we gear up for a fun 2026!

Food available for purchase. AK Connection will order a small assortment of appetizers throughout the evening. Many thanks to our fellow-KAD Ellen Moodie and Steady Pour for arranging this space for our community again!

KADs 21+ & family & friends welcome!

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 9:30 pm
Cost: $5 or PWYC
Where: Steady Pour (2125 E Hennepin Ave Suite 205, Minneapolis, MN 55413)
Register

 











  









K-Number Film Screening with Director Jo
Co-Sponsored with the University of Minnesota

Date:Tuesday, February 10, 20
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM

Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, Pillsbury 120
University of Minnesota

Join us for a screening of Jo Seyoung's K-Number on February 10. This film follows a Korean adoptee's journey to learn about her birth family and adoption process, and examines the mechanisms, inconsistencies, and corruption in the international adoption system. A Q&A with the Director will follow the screening. Dinner will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. While registration is appreciated to help with planning, walk-ins for the event are also welcome!

Parking validation for University-affiliated parking facilities is available for community members courtesy of the Liberal Arts Engagement Hub. Information on parking and directions to The Hub can be found here. There is also some metered street parking in the nearby neighborhood, although these parking spots cannot be validated by the University of Minnesota. 

 
Sign Up

Roots & Reflections - Save the Date
Sunday, February 15, 2026 (in-person, TBD)
Sunday, February 22, 2026 (virtual, TBD)

 

Seollal with AK Connection - Save the Date
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Pearl Park Recreation Center
414 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55419

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlighting Korean American and Adoptee community events

January 23-25: Theater Mu’s New Eyes Festival
February 7: Arbeiter Brewing Company’s Lunar New Years
March 14: Adoption Mosaic: We the Experts (Sex, Intimacy, & Adoption)
Mid-February: Seollal with Korean Cultural Association & Jangmi Arts
April 16-19: Also-Known-As New York 30th Anniversary
June 19-21: KAAN 2026 Conference
October 19-24: IKAA Korea Gathering 2026

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!
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
BOARD MEMBER INTEREST FORM
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November Newsletter

1/6/2026

0 Comments

 

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.
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
BOARD MEMBER INTEREST FORM
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October Newsletter

1/6/2026

0 Comments

 
Join Us This Weekend to Celebrate AK Connection’s 25th Anniversary!
25 Years of Community • Connection • Celebration

We’re so excited to gather with our community to celebrate 25 years of AK Connection — a milestone honoring our shared stories, connections, and growth together.
Friday Night Kickoff at LITT Pinball (November 7)
 
LITT Pinball Bar, Uptown Minneapolis

Join us for a fun, casual get-together to kick off our anniversary weekend!
We’ll be hanging out in the private “Flipper Lye’s” room — come play some pinball, grab a drink or bite, and reconnect with friends new and old.

LITT Pinball is 21+ after 8 PM.

Facebook Event - RSVP not required but helpful.

Saturday: AK Connection’s 25th Anniversary (November 8)
 

Marriott Minneapolis Southwest (5801 Opus Pkwy, Minnetonka, MN 55343)

  • Purchase Tickets - Registration Required

  • AKC Community Fund for Tickets 

  •  Volunteer Sign-Up

Let’s come together for an unforgettable night of storytelling, celebration, and connection. Enjoy a memorable evening featuring:

  • A silent auction with items donated by community members and supporters

  • A Korean dinner (and bundtini table sponsored by Nothing Bundt Cakes)

  • Live performances by talent from our community, including JangMi Arts and Conor Lee!

  • Reflections and remarks from current and former AK Connection board members
     

  • 5:00 PM – VIP Cocktail Hour

  • 6:00 PM – Check-In, Noraebang Room, and Silent Auction Open

  • 6:45 PM – Welcome Address

  • 7:00 PM – Dinner

  • 7:30 PM – Program

  • 9:00 PM – Reception & Photobooth Open

  • 9:30 PM – Silent Auction Closes

  • 11:00 PM – Event Ends 

  • 11:30 PM – Photobooth Closes
     

    Throughout the night, stop by our AK Connection table in the Silent Auction space to check out our new t-shirts and mugs, as well as purchase your raffle and drink tickets.

More Ways to Participate

  • Share AKC Memories & Photos
  • A Tapestry of Stories Project 
  • In Memoriam Submission

Sunday Brunch/Lunch (November 9) 

Location: TBD
We’ll wrap up the weekend with a casual brunch/lunch gathering — details coming soon!

Let’s Celebrate 25 Years Together!

Whether you’ve been with AK Connection since the beginning or are joining for the first time, we can’t wait to celebrate with you. Let’s honor our shared stories — and create new ones together.

With gratitude,
The AK Connection Team

Support AK Connection

We are always looking for sponsors, donors, and volunteers to support our board members, who are all Korean adoptee volunteers themselves. Please email [email protected] for more information.

  • Become a Sponsor of AK Connection

  • Donate to AK Connection

  • Make an in-kind donation to AK Connection

  • Sign up to volunteer at events
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
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September Newsletter

1/6/2026

0 Comments

 

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)

Your Invited!
 
Please join us as AK Connection celebrates 25 years of serving and empowering the Korean adoptee community in Minnesota and beyond through cultural, educational, and social programming. This special night will bring together Korean adoptees, their loved ones, public officials, community leaders, and supporters to honor our shared history and look ahead to a vibrant future.
  • 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.
Tickets

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlighting Korean American and Adoptee 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
Current Favorites from the Board

Kira: Playing Overwatch (support main)
Tara: Sesame seeds from Korea - grown, harvested, and roasted by my Omma
Denis: Alice in Borderland: Season 3
Jenn: Bob's Burgers
Kip: Re-watching Culinary Class Wars

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!

Take care,
AK Connection Board of Directors 

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.
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
BOARD MEMBER INTEREST FORM
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August Newsletter

1/6/2026

0 Comments

 

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)
November 8: AK Connection 25th Anniversary - A Tapestry of Stories: Celebrating Korean Adoptee Lives

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlighting Korean American and Adoptee 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
August Favorites from the Board

Kira: “Golden” - Huntr/x and “Soda Pop” - Saja Boys
Tara: Mango Mochi ice cream and Sesame Ramen
Jenny: Unove shampoo and conditioner and Kimchi Tangle ramen
Denis: Royce Chocolate and camping
Jenn: Brisket Suadero burrito and Horchata from Lito's Burritos
Kip: Kongbul - with Costco Shabu Shabu meat

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!
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
BOARD MEMBER INTEREST FORM
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July Newsletter

8/28/2025

0 Comments

 

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)
November 8: AK Connection 25th Anniversary - A Tapestry of Stories: Celebrating Korean Adoptee Lives

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlighting Korean American and Adoptee 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!
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
BOARD MEMBER INTEREST FORM
0 Comments

June Newsletter

8/28/2025

0 Comments

 

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)

 
November 8: AK Connection 25th Anniversary - A Tapestry of Stories: Celebrating Korean Adoptee Lives

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlighting Korean-American and adoptee 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!
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
BOARD MEMBER INTEREST FORM
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May Newsletter

5/26/2025

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UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

June 7: AK Connection Sticking Together Fitness Class

We’re excited to partner with fellow KAD, Aimee Sue Ladin, as she leads AK Connection for a special POUND fitness class for Korean Adoptees and their loved ones! Stick around afterward to connect over a shared meal (Chipotle burrito bowls).

 

Date: Saturday, June 7 
Time: 2-4 p.m. 
Location: Whittier Recreation Center Gymnasium (425 W 26th St, Minneapolis, MN 55405) 

Cost: $5 for adults, children 12 and under free (note: tickets are limited per registration)

 
RSVP

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlighting Korean-American and adoptee community events

May 24, and 31: Spring Into Jogakbo: Traditional Korean Hand Sewing Series
May 26-28: G.O.A.'L.'s Let's Geoje! Trip (applications open now)
June 8: Jangmi Arts Recital and Community Celebration
June 20-22: KAAN Conference 
June 23: Anna Myonghee Kimchi on TPT Relish
June 21 - July 1: Bridge to Korea - Birthland Tour
June 29 - July 4: Camp Choson (registration open)

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 MEMBER INTEREST FORM
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Celebrating Children and Parents

We had a beautiful day to be in community at our annual Children’s Day celebration earlier this month. Young and old alike competed in Korean Squid Game-themed challenges, shared a delicious meal, and experienced the amazing talent of our special performers, Shinparam. It was a pleasure to see and meet many new families in attendance. While new friendships were forming amongst the youth, KAD parents and community members were able to socialize and connect with one another.  That is at the heart of why we do what we do. Thank you so much for your continued support, we are grateful to be a part of and serve this community. We hope to see many of you at our June fitness activity or at one of our other monthly events in the future.  

Take care, 잘 지내 주세요.
AK Connection Board of Directors
 
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
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April Newsletter

5/26/2025

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UPCOMING AK CONNECTION EVENTS

May 3: Children's Day Celebration

Join us for some outdoor fun (rain or shine) to celebrate Children’s Day, a traditional Korean holiday. This event is for all ages, and Korean adoptees and their loved ones are welcome!  Please help AK Connection plan accordingly for food and drinks by RSVP'ing before Thursday, May 1.

Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes for a little friendly competition! Activities will include games from Squid Games (like jegichagi and ddakji), a bubble station, lawn games, and more. AK Connection will provide lunch (including grilled hot dogs and DIY kimbap). Feel free to bring a dish or beverage to share. 

When: Saturday, May 3 
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Jaycees Shelter in Roseville, MN
Cost: Pay what you can 
RSVP

June 7: Fitness Event (Save the Date) 

Get ready to break a sweat and then share a meal afterward in June with us! We’ll share more details on our Facebook and Instagram soon.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlighting Korean-American and adoptee community events

April 29: Korean Music New and Old 
By April 30: Participate in Omma Poom Art Exhibit (background on the exhibit)
May 3: More Kinds of Awesome: Untold Stories By and For Adoptees
May 10: Arbeiter Brewing Phoenix Festival
May 10, 17, 24, and 31: Spring Into Jogakbo: Traditional Korean Hand Sewing Series
May 26-28: G.O.A.'L.'s Let's Geoje! Trip (applications open now)
June 8: Jangmi Arts Recital and Community Celebration
June 20-22: KAAN Conference 
June 21 - July 1: Bridge to Korea - Birthland Tour

WHAT'S NEW

Welcome New AK Connection Board Member Kip Hansen! 

We are excited to share that Kip Hansen has recently joined the AK Connection Board! Kip brings several important skills to AK Connection, including grant writing, nonprofit work experience, deep communications expertise, and much more. Please join us in welcoming him to AK Connection and say hi to him at an upcoming event!

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 MEMBER INTEREST FORM
VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOTE

Reflections On Our Spring Events

Over the past few weeks, AK Connection hosted two meaningful gatherings designed to support and connect our community of Korean adoptees.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first Roots & Reflections: A Support Circle for Korean Adoptees, held in partnership with Korean adoptee counselors Lynn Woo Yeong Sando, MA, LADCC, LPCC, and Megan Nyberg, MA, LPCC. As global events continue to impact Korean adoptees, we’re currently working on a follow-up event. We each experience the world in our own way, but we are not alone — and we are deeply grateful for this community.

We were also glad to host a 18+ adoptee dinner on Saturday, April 19 at Hoban in Eagan. This gathering offered a chance for both new and familiar faces to come together in a smaller, more intimate setting — to reconnect, share stories, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Hoban holds a special place for many as a longtime Korean restaurant staple in the Twin Cities. Thank you to everyone who made time during a busy holiday weekend to join us. We hope to see you at Children’s Day or another upcoming event soon!

Take care, 잘 지내 주세요.
AK Connection Board of Directors
 
DONATE TO AK CONNECTION
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