Caroline Evrard

I was born around October 1977, probably in the Dongducheon area. On January 25, 1978, I was transferred from the Dongducheon office to the Yangju Reception Center. In my adoption file, my name is written as Shin Hyun Jung 신 현정, but I do not know whether this is my real birth name or not. I stayed at the Yangju orphanage until May 25, 1978.

On May 26, 1978, I arrived in Belgium, where I was adopted by a Belgian couple through the Holt and Terre des Hommes agencies. I have been this couple’s only child.I grew up in Belgium, where I am still living today. I studied chemistry. I married a Belgian man, and we have two children, born in 2004 and 2008.

I began to take an interest in Korea in 2002 after meeting other Korean adoptees through associations such as Kobel and the Racines coréennes forum. At that time, my interest in Korea was still limited.

I traveled to Korea for the first time in 2015. I had appointments with Holt’s post-adoption services and Dongducheon City Hall, but I was unable to obtain any additional information about my family.

When I returned to Belgium, I felt deeply transformed inside. I truly realized that I am Korean. Until then, I had felt deeply European, despite my Asian appearance, which I had not really reflected on before.

I started learning the Korean language and I am still studying it today. I traveled several times to Korea and was able to speak with and understand Korean people. At the same time, I tried to obtain any additional information about my Korean family. I contacted Yangju Police Station, Seoul Police Station (who found the DNA data I had provided through the Korean Embassy in Belgium), and the NCRC, but I was unable to find any information.

Today, I would like to complete my story—from my birth to the circumstances under which I was entrusted to the Dongducheon office. I am open to listening to any explanations or information with understanding and kindness.