"Adopted Children Cancellation and Exchange Possible" Remarks by Moon Draw Fierce Criticism from Opposition: "Is This Online Shopping?"

Published 18 Jan.2021 13:39(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] At the New Year's press conference, President Moon Jae-in proposed solutions such as canceling adoptions within a certain period or changing adopted children as a way to address the 'Jung-in case,' which drew heavy criticism from opposition parties.

Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won wrote on Facebook on the 18th, "The president's remarks treating adopted children as if they were objects sounded terribly horrifying," and pointed out, "The greatest wound and trial for adopted children is when even their adoptive parents abandon them."

She said, "Even if it is true that dissolution of adoption is realistically unavoidable, it is unacceptable for the president to present that as an 'improvement measure,'" and demanded, "Immediately retract the statement and apologize."

Kim Woong, a lawmaker from the same party, also criticized, "How is this different from simply returning an item due to a change of mind in online shopping?" and said, "People, especially adopted children who should be most protected, must not be returned."

Additionally, lawmaker Kim Mi-ae pointed out, "Adopted children are neither dolls sold in the market nor dogs or cats," and added, "Even dogs and cats should not be treated that way."

Kim said, "How can one say that babies can be exchanged for other babies like returning dolls? They should read the Civil Code and the Special Adoption Act, check the adoption practice manuals, or consult family court judges before making such remarks," and criticized, "Ah~ I can't believe that someone with such awareness is the president, and that this person was once a human rights lawyer."

Geum Tae-seop, former Democratic Party lawmaker who officially declared his candidacy for Seoul mayor, said, "Since it was a live press conference, we should evaluate the context and intent of the answers rather than nitpicking words, but this part is absolutely unacceptable," and pointed out, "It was probably not an unexpected question, but the awareness of human rights is questionable. How can one have such an idea?"