Newspim Article:
“[Interview] Controversy Over Adoption Records Stored in Coupang Freezer Warehouse…NCRC Says ‘Freezer Function Not Used’”

Posted to Paperslip on July 23rd, 2023.
Translation via ChatGPT.
Bolds and red highlighting ours.

*Please note — what the article refers to as “The Korea Child Welfare Information Service” is the SAME as NCRC (National Center for the Rights of the Child).

“Article Published: July 23, 2025, 17:51
Last Updated: July 24, 2025, 09:09

(NCRC’s) Controversial Temporary Archive for Adoption Records Opens to Public for First Time

  • Temporary storage raises concerns over potential damage and limited accessibility

  • "Records accessible via official information request or in-person visit to NCRC’s main office in Seoul"

  • "Safe transfer ensured through inspection by professional archivists"

  • "Permanent Adoption Records Archive to be established by 2031—budget planning underway"

[Sejong = NewsPim] Reporter Shin Do-kyung – The Korea Child Welfare Information Service (NCRC) has actively responded to criticism surrounding its temporary storage facility for adoption records.

At an interview with NewsPim on July 23, Han Myeong-ae, Director of NCRC, spoke at the temporary storage facility located in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. She explained, “The building was constructed with the capability to be used as a freezer warehouse, but we are not operating the freezer function.” She added, “Since the establishment of a permanent Adoption Records Archive is a long-term project requiring multiple administrative steps such as feasibility reviews, planning, and budget approval, we prepared a temporary storage site to preserve the adoption records in the meantime.”

Responding to criticisms regarding accessibility due to the facility's remote location, Han noted that adoption records can be accessed via official information request through the NCRC / KAS website. If a physical inspection is necessary—particularly for overseas adoptees with mobility issues—the records can also be viewed at the main NCRC office in Seoul.

Han emphasized the need for a dedicated Adoption Records Archive, stating that adoptees do not simply seek information, but also a connection to their roots and identity. She advocated for an archive that also functions as an informative and supportive space.

“We aim to conduct a feasibility review next year and operate the archive after 2031,” Han said.

Criticism from overseas adoptees has mounted over the decision to house adoption records in a former Coupang cold storage warehouse. Concerns have been raised about preservation standards and accessibility, with calls for the government to take greater responsibility in ensuring proper transfer and protection of records.

Q&A with NCRC Director Han Myeong-ae, Department Head Ahn Jun-han, and Team Lead Shim Ui-seon

Q: There is criticism that the temporary archive is located in a former Coupang freezer warehouse.
A: It’s a building with freezer capabilities, but we are not using that function. We prioritized the building’s load-bearing capacity to ensure the safe preservation of the records.

Q: What about accessibility, especially for overseas adoptees with disabilities?
A: The facility meets national standards for special record archives. While it's true the location is far, records can be requested and provided in digital or physical copy via our website. Visiting the site is rarely necessary. For those wishing to view originals, appointments can be made at the main NCRC office in Seoul. For adoptees with disabilities, in-person access is also available at our main office in Seoul.

Q: Are keepsakes like baby clothes and letters also stored here?
A: Yes, items like baby clothes are preserved in the same facility. To prevent contamination, the facility is equipped with humidity and temperature controls, as well as four air sterilizers (soon to be increased to six). We are budgeting for deacidification and sterilization equipment next year to further enhance preservation.

Q: Can baby keepsakes be viewed through information requests?
A: If, for example, a birth mother left a letter or keepsake, it can be viewed at the Seoul office through the official request process.

Q: Are interpreters available for adoptees who visit?
A: Yes, staff capable of interpreting are on-site.

Q: Is there a risk of damage during record transfer?
A: We've hired a professional archival contractor to ensure a safe and secure transfer. Expert archivists are overseeing the process, and our staff regularly inspect the site. We’re using reinforced boxes and tamper-evident tape. Access is restricted to protect sensitive personal data.

Q: What are the future plans for the records transfer?
A: We’re currently conducting a full inventory of the 260,000 adoption records. Our goal is to finish organizing them by the third week of September. Transfers are being handled with safety and precision in mind.

Q: Why hasn’t a permanent archive been established yet?
A: We didn’t secure enough funding last year. Establishing a permanent archive requires extensive administrative steps. Our goal is to secure budget for feasibility studies and planning so that we can begin operations after 2031.

Q: If funding isn’t secured this year, will you extend the lease for another 5 years?
A: We’ve requested 200 million KRW for a feasibility study. The full process, including construction, takes about four years. If funding is delayed, continued leasing is uncertain. However, since substantial national funds were used to set up the temporary facility, we plan to operate it as efficiently as possible.

Q: Are legal changes needed?
A: Yes. The current law requires consent from biological parents before disclosing their information. This process involves registered mail, but we are seeking to include phone-based consent in the enforcement decree. Unfortunately, this conflicts with the Personal Information Protection Act.

Q: How has NCRC’s role changed with greater state responsibility?
A: By processing information requests, we provide more reliable and consistent information. Previously, records stored by private entities didn’t always meet public standards. The move to a centralized, government-managed facility is a major step forward.

We’ve also partnered with the nonprofit "NEST" starting July 19th, 2025 to provide services to adoptees visiting Korea—such as translating documents and accompanying visits to childhood locations. This standardizes services that were previously offered inconsistently.

Q: Trust between overseas adoptees and the government seems fractured. How will you rebuild it?
A: We must consistently demonstrate reliability. Though mistakes were made during digitization and planning, we are committed to doing better. Even if it takes time, we want adoptees to eventually say, “Now I can trust them.”

Contact: sdk1991@newspim.com”