A message of encouragement from a recently reunited KSS Adoptee.
Image: Unsplash Stock.
I am sharing with permission the recent post shared to the KSS Adoptee forum KSS Cribmates, by KSS Adoptee “L”, who recently reunited with his maternal side birth family members in Korea with the help of Paperslip and GOAL.
“L” has been a member of KSS Cribmates for a couple of years, and has periodically asked questions both privately, on the KSS Cribmates forum, and through email, which I have always been happy to answer. I had two Zoom conversations with him regarding his search — both before and after his trip to Korea, during which he met his maternal side birth relatives. What struck me about “L” is that while he would only ask questions periodically, he would always follow up with the advice I gave him, and he would always be responsive in communications. His willingness to communicate with me and others and to follow through on instructions — along with good luck — are part of what led him to find his birth family members.
We have both noted with chagrin that commonly on some public Korean Adoptee forums, Adoptees tend to ask the same questions repeatedly and without any seeming ability to Google or search for information. We both note that all the information they need is publicly and freely available on Paperslip, and that if people would only follow instructions, they might get further in their search processes.
I have lightly edited “L’s” post to reflect the fact that he started his birth family search process through his Korean Adoption Agency KSS (Korea Social Service) PRIOR to the July 19th, 2025 transfer of all former Korean Adoption Agency files to NCRC. He subsequently submitted an additional request to NCRC following the file transfer. Ultimately his multiple requests and the information both Paperslip and others helped him to obtain led to his recent reunion in S. Korea with members of his maternal birth family.
“Hi everyone.
Recently, during a trip to Korea, I was fortunate enough to find and connect with biological family members. It was a meaningful experience and a reminder that every adoption search journey is unique, but taking that first step can lead to opportunities you never imagined. If you're considering beginning your search, I encourage you to review the (English Adoptive Child Study Summary and Korean Adoptive Child Study Summary) information available through the KSS Cribmates group and visit Paperslip.org to (find instructions for completing) your request through NCRC.
I followed those same steps and reached out to the (Paperslip.org) site owner for guidance when needed. If you take the time to follow the process outlined there, it can be an incredibly valuable resource. Once you receive information from the NCRC or your local adoption agency, G.O.A.'L. is another excellent resource for guidance, support, and assistance throughout the birth family search process. Both resources are helpful, but the most important factor in any search journey is you. One of the biggest hurdles is taking the first step and fully committing to the process.
Before you begin, ask yourself:
Do I simply want information from my adoption file?
Do I want to conduct a full family search?
Do I hope to build a relationship with my biological family?
These seem like simple questions, but for years I couldn't honestly answer them myself. Understanding what you hope to accomplish can help guide your search, shape your expectations, and determine what success looks like for you. Most importantly, remember that you own your search. Stay diligent in your communication with the NCRC. Follow up regularly. Ask questions. Request clarification. Don't be afraid to respectfully push back or ask whether additional information may be available. You are your own best advocate. The worst they can say is, "no."
Own the process. Own the journey. Stay persistent, stay curious, and don’t lose sight of why you started.”