Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal and Permanent Mission to ICAO

Applications for truth verification via email are accepted from victims of human rights violations related to overseas adoption, surviving family members of victims residing overseas, and other persons able to substantiate facts related to damages associated with overseas adoption.

1. Eligible Applicants for Email Submission

Email submission is provided as an exceptional procedure for the convenience of adoptee victims residing overseas and bereaved family members residing overseas. Formal receipt of an application shall be determined following a review of the adequacy and completeness of the submitted documents.

※ This email account is operated solely for the submission and receipt of truth-finding application and related documents. Except for confirmation of receipt and requests for supplementary materials, individual consultation regarding specific case may be limited.

Email submission is available only to persons falling under any of the following categories:

1) Overseas-residing victims of intercountry adoption;

2) Overseas-residing bereaved family members;

3) Overseas-residing legal representatives or duly authorized representatives.

※ Persons residing in the Republic of Korea, including representatives residing in the Republic of Korea, are not eligible for email submission or email consultation. Such persons shall use the official submission methods, including in-person or postal submission.

2. Cases Subject to Receipt

Applications may be submitted for the following categories of cases:

1) Adoption without the consent of a person with parental authority;

2) False registration of family relations or manipulation of related records;

3) False preparation or alteration of birth records;

4) Other cases involving human rights violations that occurred in the course of intercountry adoption.

3. Email Address for Submission

Applications shall be submitted to the following email address:

•  jinsil26@korea.kr

Please write the subject line of the application email in the following format:

[Application for Truth-Finding] Intercountry Adoption / Name / Country of Residence

Example : [Application for Truth-Finding] Intercountry Adoption / Olivia Kim / CA, USA

4. Documents to Be Submitted

1) Mandatory Documents

The following documents are required for an application to be deemed validly received.

① Application for Truth-Finding

② Identity verification document, such as a copy of a passport or government-issued identification document

③ Where a representative is appointed, a power of attorney and a copy of the representative’s identification document

④ Document confirming overseas residence, including one of the following

  - Identification document showing an overseas address

  - Local proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease agreement

  - Documents related to overseas Korean registration

  - Other materials by which overseas residence may be verified

2) Optional Documents, If Applicable

The following documents may be submitted, where applicable:

  ① Adoption-related documents;

  ② Documents related to family relationships;

  ③ Other supporting or reference materials related to the case.

✔ An application shall be deemed validly received only when all mandatory documents have been confirmed as submitted.

5. File Format for Submission

Attachments are recommended to be submitted in the following formats:

1) PDF

2) JPG or PNG.

File names should briefly indicate only the applicant’s name or the case name, and should not contain unnecessary personal information.

Example : 󰋱kim_Application.pdf 󰋱kim_ID.pdf

6. Request for Supplementation

Where submitted documents are incomplete or insufficient, the TRC may request the submission of additional materials.

- Deadline for submission upon a request for supplementation: generally within 14 days.

Where necessary during the investigation process, the Commission may request the submission of original documents or additional statements.

7. Matters to Note When Submitting by Email

1) Where the submission contains personal information of a third party, the applicant shall obtain the consent of the relevant person in advance. Submitted personal information shall be used only for purposes related to truth-finding investigations, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

2) Where it is difficult to verify the identity of the applicant based on the submitted documents, and the applicant fails to submit supplementary materials within the designated supplementation period, the application may be closed and deemed invalid.

3) The applicant shall be responsible for the authenticity of the submitted materials. Any disadvantages arising from circumstances attributable to the applicant, including inability to contact the applicant, may be borne by the applicant.

4) The application may be canceled or closed and deemed invalid in cases including, but not limited to, the submission of false or forged documents, submission by a person who is neither the applicant nor a duly authorized representative, failure to comply with a request for supplementation, or duplicate submission of the same case.

5) Processing may take longer than usual due to circumstances such as the verification of overseas materials.

8. Contact Information

Civil Affairs Office, Communications Division

Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Republic of Korea

Email: jinsil26@korea.kr

Main Telephone: +82-2-3393-9700