Korean Adoptees: Navigating Identity in America

Since 1948, approximately fifty percent of children adopted into the United States have hailed from Asia, representing the largest fraction of the eleven thousand to twelve thousand children who have migrated annually over the last decade to join their American families (Tuan 4, 2011).

A significant portion of these children are Asian-American, with a notable twenty-five percent originating from South Korea (4). In 2011, more than one hundred and sixty thousand Korean adoptees resided in the United States (4).

Despite the substantial number of children adopted from Asia, particularly South Korea, their stories and experiences in the United States often remain unheard.

These children face unique challenges within their families and society, confronting issues such as racial differences between them and their adoptive parents, and the struggle of forging their identity—whether as American, Korean, or both. Their experiences are a crucial aspect of not just Korean-American history but of Asian-American history in general. They spotlight issues that resonate with many Asian-Americans, such as racism, racial profiling, assimilation, and loss of cultural heritage.

Struggles of Identity and Belonging

Racism, defined as discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their race, and racial profiling, where judgments are made based on a person’s race, are prevalent issues. Assimilation, the pressure to conform to a dominant culture, often compounds these challenges. In this essay, I will explore the experiences of Korean adoptees in transracial families—families where parents and children are of different races. This exploration is grounded in the narratives of individuals like Kim-Boone-Nakase, a South Korean adoptee who arrived in the United States at the age of two in 1957 (Interview, Kim-Boone-Nakase, 05/06/2009). Her journey, while unique, mirrors the experiences of many Korean adoptees and Asian-Americans.

Kim-Boone-Nakase was adopted by Charles Daniel Boone and Mary Boone, a white American couple originally from Texas, who then resided in Southern California. The racial difference was insignificant to her immediate family but was often noted by the outside world. An incident during a family visit to Texas, where a relative insensitively commented on her appearance, illustrates the frequent microaggressions faced by Korean adoptees. Such experiences can deeply affect adoptees’ self-perception and sense of belonging, often making them feel estranged from their families and cultural roots.

A study involving 715 adoptive families revealed that Asian adoptees, predominantly Korean, were less likely to express pride in their racial background (Tuan 8-9). Kim-Boone’s younger sister faced similar racial insensitivity during a road trip with their father. These incidents, though perhaps not fully understood in childhood, can profoundly influence adoptees’ self-identity and self-esteem as they mature.

Cultural Disconnection and Assimilation

The concept of “aesthetic assimilation,” where individuals of color internalize the notion that whiteness is synonymous with beauty, is a formidable challenge (McKee 86, 2019). The self-perception of young adults is crucial in shaping their racial identity. Negative comments from others can sway their decision to embrace or reject their Asian heritage. This struggle is not exclusive to Korean adoptees but affects many raised in transracial families.

Identity confusion is prevalent among children in transracial families. Brenda Chung, a Korean-American, recounted her difficulties fitting in with other Koreans, feeling more accepted among white peers despite the cultural disconnect (Min, Chung 80-81, 2016). Her narrative underscores a common theme: the inability to fully integrate into either Korean or American cultures.

Korean adoptees often face similar challenges when attempting to reconnect with their heritage. Despite the negligible number of adoptees returning to Korea annually—estimated at 3,000 to 5,000 out of approximately 200,000 sent abroad—they often encounter feelings of cultural alienation (McKee 91). Even with an earnest desire to learn about their roots, they are frequently regarded as outsiders in their native land.

The Quest for Cultural Belonging

Jane Owen, another South Korean adoptee, articulated the heartache of not being fully accepted in Korea despite efforts to assimilate culturally (McKee 91-92). This sentiment resonates with many Korean adoptees and Asian-Americans who experience a lack of belonging in their ancestral homelands. Thomas Chung, a first-generation Korean-American, faced bullying from both non-Asian peers and fellow Korean-Americans, leading to a subconscious rejection of his Korean identity (Min, Chung 104). Such internal community discrimination often leaves deeper scars than external prejudices.

The struggle for identity is compounded by societal ignorance, as many Asian-Americans, including Kim-Boone, are often misidentified as belonging to other Asian ethnicities. This misidentification can evoke frustration and dismay, as illustrated by historical injustices like the misclassification of Asians during World War II (Lee 222-225, 2014).

Conclusion

The journey of self-discovery for Korean adoptees and Asian-Americans is fraught with challenges. They must navigate racial and cultural identities within a society that often views them through a monolithic lens. Despite these obstacles, the pursuit of identity enriches their understanding of their heritage and role in the larger American tapestry. The experiences of individuals like Kim-Boone Nakase and others highlighted in this essay contribute to the broader narrative of Asian-American history and their ongoing quest for recognition and acceptance as integral members of American society.

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