March 2025

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)   RSVP 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. RSVP 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

Highlighting Korean-American and adoptee 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 MEMBER INTEREST FORM VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM 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   DONATE TO AK CONNECTION