A 52-year-old South Korean woman, identified as A, is facing a heart-wrenching decision after the 16-year-old boy she and her husband raised since infancy expressed a desire to return to his biological parents. The couple had legally adopted the child 16 years ago, following procedures for “adoption of a biological child,” with the birth parents’ consent.
A shared emotionally on a radio program how she cherished every milestone, from his first steps to starting school, describing him as her “whole world.” However, this spring, the boy discovered he was adopted and sought to meet his birth parents. After reconnecting, he gradually grew distant from his foster parents, even refusing to come home on birthdays, and ultimately requested to live with his biological family.
Legal experts explained that under South Korea’s Civil Code, “adoption of a biological child” fully severs the child’s legal ties with the birth parents, while “general adoption” does not. Dissolving such an adoption requires court approval, typically only in extreme cases such as abuse, neglect, or serious misconduct. Courts prioritize the child’s welfare and may adopt flexible approaches if the relationship with foster parents has clearly broken down.
Lawyers advised the family to focus first on psychological support and family therapy to help the boy navigate his conflicting emotions. If the court ultimately approves the dissolution, the boy would regain legal ties with his biological parents, including surname and household registration, but lose inheritance and legal rights with his foster parents.
