First lady Kim says hopes Korean adoptees will grow closer to homeland

First Lady Kim Hea Kyung expressed her hopes that Koreans adopted overseas would form stronger ties to their homeland and cherish good memories of it. She made this statement during her address at the opening ceremony of a Seoul event hosted by the International Korean Adoptee Associations (IKAA). The gathering brought together Korean adoptees from across the globe, aiming to create a community and foster connections.

The first lady acknowledged that South Korea can be perceived differently by each attendee. To some, it may simply be a foreign country, while for others, it may represent a homeland they have longed for since childhood. For many, it could be a place they visit with numerous questions about their roots and identity.

Regardless of their background, the first lady expressed her desire for adopted Koreans to grow closer to their homeland and forge new connections during this gathering. She further hoped that the visiting adoptees would have the opportunity to experience Korea's autumn, cuisine, and other attractions. Kim expressed her wish that the beauty, vibe, and allure of their motherland would remain etched in their memories for a long time.