Lee Sang-deok, Head of the Overseas Koreans Agency, visited Paris, France from the 15th to the 16th to hold the first overseas meeting with Korean adoptees. During the meeting, he explained the Overseas Koreans Agency's direction for supporting Korean adoptees and listened to the voices from the field, including the activities of adoptee organizations. France has the largest population of Korean adoptees in Europe.
About 50 Korean adoptees who have established themselves in mainstream French society, along with members of Korea Roots Association, the oldest Korean adoptee organization in France, and the Korea Nantes Association, attended the meeting.
Lee Jae-dong, President of the Korea Roots Association, expressed his gratitude to the Overseas Koreans Agency for visiting France and arranging a separate meeting with Korean adoptees in his welcoming remarks. He also announced plans to collaborate with other adoption organizations with the support of the Overseas Koreans Agency to organize an event encompassing all of France, ahead of the association's 39th anniversary in September.
Jeon Heon-ju, President of the Korea Nantes Association, mentioned that "Adoptees consider Korea as their roots and strive to promote Korea more in their country of residence." He introduced the association's activities, such as informing French people about the beauty of Korean culture and art, and holding meal gatherings, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok events for adoptees.
In his opening remarks, Head Lee stated that he found it meaningful to meet and talk directly with Korean adoptees. He expressed his pride and heartfelt satisfaction at the fact that adoptees, despite their different circumstances of adoption, are succeeding in their countries of residence, learning the Korean language, embracing Korean culture, and striving to regain their Korean identity. At the same time, he also mentioned feeling a sense of responsibility.
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