January 2026

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