Na Kyung-won: "Moon's Remarks Treating Adopted Children Like Objects Sound Horrifying"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Na Kyung-won, former People Power Party lawmaker and opposition candidate for Seoul mayor, criticized President Moon Jae-in's remarks at the New Year's press conference, calling them "comments that treat adopted children like objects."

On the 18th, Na said on Facebook, "Watching President Moon's New Year's press conference, I felt that he still does not understand the fundamental causes of the current confusion, distrust, and public disappointment."

She added, "It is especially disappointing that the delay in securing vaccines was wrapped up as a 'careful judgment,' and that baseless optimism still persists in inter-Korean relations. Above all, the most shocking remarks were about adoption."

On that day, President Moon responded to a reporter's question by saying, "If the adoptive parents' feelings change, cancellation or changing the child is necessary," which sparked controversy. Na said, "The president's remarks, which sounded as if adopted children were being treated like objects, were terribly disturbing," and pointed out, "the greatest wounds and trials for adopted children come when even their adoptive parents leave them."

She stated, "Even if it is true that disruption of adoption is sometimes unavoidable in reality, it is unacceptable for the president to present that as an 'improvement measure,'" and demanded, "Immediately retract the statement and apologize."