My twin sister, Janine Vance, and I were deeply honored to be invited by the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA), under South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs—the equivalent of the U.S. Department of State—to participate in a historic gathering of Korean adoptee leaders from around the world.

An experience we will always remember: The 2026 Overseas Korean Adoptees Gathering (OKAG).

This historic and pivotal moment in intercountry adoption history brought together adoptee leaders from around the world. It was an incredible honor to stand alongside so many dedicated advocates working toward truth, accountability, and advancing Korean adoptee rights.

My twin sister, Janine Vance—an author and adoption historian—shared her extensive research on the origins and history of international adoption, drawing from her book, Adoption: What You Should Know. Her presentation highlighted why understanding history is essential if we hope to prevent past mistakes from being repeated.

One fellow leader reflected after hearing Janine’s presentation:

“If we do not learn from history, we are bound to repeat it. And I think the systems that are being built to make this adoption possible, the words are so important. If you don’t learn it and if you don’t change it, then the story will repeat itself. So I think history is really important to learn.”

International Author, Janine Myung Ja, presenting at the 2026 OKA conference on the history of Korean adoption.

As the Vance Twins, Janine and I were honored to collaborate with adoptee leaders from around the world to help shape policy recommendations for the Korean government. Working together with advocates who have devoted their lives to reform was a powerful reminder that lasting change happens when lived experience, historical truth, and collective action come together.

Jenette Vance (5th from the left) was one of the OKA Leaders Lineup to help draft the adoptee policy recommendations.

Staying at the Lotte Hotel, with its breathtaking views from one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, we felt both inspired and humbled by the conversations unfolding around us. The opportunity to reconnect with longtime friends while building new relationships with adoptee leaders from around the world—all united by a shared mission to bring awareness to intercountry adoption and provide important services for Korean adoptees—was both empowering and deeply meaningful.

Janine and I were honored to represent the Pacific Northwest of the United States in Korea. The gathering also provided a space to acknowledge the lifelong trauma, grief, and disconnection that international adoption often leaves behind. Many of us continue searching for our biological families and a sense of belonging. Although some of us may never find the answers we’ve spent decades seeking, we’re learning that healing is possible even when the questions remain.

This gathering reminded us that even when the path is uncertain, we’re not alone. Together, we’re rewriting narratives, healing, and advocating for a better future. Together, we are reclaiming our stories, supporting one another’s healing, and advocating for a future where truth, transparency, and protecting future children and families from adoption trafficking.

Relevant link here.

Would you like to read the policy? Email Jenette@vancetwins.com