THIS MONTH IN THE KOREAN ADOPTEE COMMUNITY - Sept 2025
Moon Jae In and Kim Jung Eun during the 2018 inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang. The summit was held from September 18, 2018 to September 20, 2018.
By Jon Oaks
Turning Points in September: Remembering Korea’s History
September holds a special place in Korea’s history. It is a month when traditions are honored, milestones are remembered, and pivotal events have shaped the nation’s identity. For Korean adoptees and their communities, reflecting on these moments offers an opportunity to connect with heritage in a deeper way.
In September 1945, U.S. forces landed in Incheon following Japan’s surrender in World War II, setting the stage for the division of the peninsula. Just five years later, the Incheon Landing of September 1950 dramatically altered the course of the Korean War. Decades later, in September 1981, Seoul was awarded the 1988 Summer Olympics, signaling Korea’s growing presence on the global stage. More recently, the 2018 inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang brought renewed hopes for peace and reconciliation.
Together, these events illustrate resilience, change, and the search for identity, themes many adoptees know well. September invites us to reflect not only on Korea’s history but also on our own stories, and how the past continues to echo in our lives today. Consider setting aside time this month to reflect, whether by journaling, sharing stories with loved ones, or exploring a Korean tradition such as Chuseok, a recipe, or a favorite song or film. Small, intentional practices like these can be a meaningful way to honor both personal and collective histories.
Community Highlights
KAAAN 2026 Proposals are due by October 5, 2025.
Join Korean Adoptees of Chicago (KAtCH) for their annual Chuseok celebration on the evening of Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Devonshire Cultural Center (4400 Greenwood St, Skokie, IL). More details are available on Facebook.
The KAAN 2026 Call for Proposals is now open! Themed Resilience and Reckoning, next year’s conference will be held June 19–21, 2026, at the Renaissance Denver Hotel & Conference Center. KAAN welcomes session proposals from adoptees, allies, and members of the adoption constellation that explore resilience, reckoning, and the connections between the two. Proposals are due by October 5, 2025, with notifications sent in early November. Learn more at at KAAN’s website.
The Boston Korean Adoptees will host their Chuseok celebration on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Sura BBQ in Medford, Massachusetts. This gathering is a chance to share food, connect with fellow adoptees, and celebrate one of Korea’s most important holidays together. More details can be found here.
Registration is now open for Korean Ties 2026, a heritage journey through South Korea designed for Korean adoptees and their loved ones. From June 28 to July 10, 2026, participants will visit Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island while exploring cultural roots, connecting with significant people and places, and building community with others who share similar life experiences. Learn more, request a detailed itinerary, and find registration details here.
For NYC Korean Adoptees, KCCNYC will hold a booth at NYC Korea Festival for Chuseok. Meet KCCNYC members in person and have some fun! You can learn about the subsidized Korean language classes for Korean Adoptees. Details of the event will be announced on KCCNYC instagram.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect this month on the anniversaries of the 1945 Incheon landing and the 1950 Incheon Landing, both of which were defining chapters in Korea’s history, we also look ahead to October. This year, Chuseok (추석) falls on October 6, with celebrations typically lasting three days. As one of Korea’s most important holidays, it’s a meaningful time to connect with heritage. Keep an eye out for community events hosted by adoptee networks and local cultural centers, which often organize Chuseok gatherings, food festivals, and opportunities to celebrate together.
