"Angry About Making Money from Adoption"

Poetry Collection 'That Woman Gets Angry'
Author Maya Lee Langvad
Born in Korea, Adopted to Denmark

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] "I am angry that not only the country but also adoption agencies profit from intercountry adoption."

Maya Lee Langvad, author of the poetry collection "That Woman is Angry" (Nanda), said this at a press conference held on the 7th at a cafe in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

Born in Korea in 1980 and adopted to Denmark, she compared herself to an "imported product" and an "exported product," expressing outrage at the reality where the state and adoption agencies are essentially making money.

Adopted into a white family and aware of her adoption from a young age due to physical differences, she always felt like an outsider. Through people around her who were also adopted from Korea, she realized she had roots in Korea, but it took a long time to accept that identity. She was angry at the forced gratitude regarding the good environment of adoptive families.

She visited Korea in 2007 and was part of a community that constructively criticized adoption for about four years. She recorded the stories of adoptees she met then under the name "That Woman" in her book. She pointed out, "In Korea, there is a tendency to portray adopted celebrities in the media with grand narratives, but there is a severe lack of coverage about the difficulties they face."

Of course, she does not deny adoption itself, which often leaves no choice. However, she emphasized, "The high adoption rate in Korea, where the birthrate is low, raises questions," and "social and structural support is needed regarding the issue of intercountry adoption."