We filmed this video a while ago after Danielle reached out to us and shared her powerful story. Having returned to the US, she tells us that she's been keeping in touch with her birth parents regularly and is looking forward to visiting Korea soon, hopefully to meet her siblings this time. For a more detailed account of her birth search, check out Danielle's blog: www.hippieseoul.com If you have any interesting/inspiring/powerful stories based in Asia that you want us to cover, reach out to us at askasianboss@gmail.com

Her American mom is so sweet

Might be a stretch, but would Asian Boss be willing to do interviews of people who remember the Korean War? I find that it's not talked about as much as WW2 or the Vietnam War, so I don't know much about it. What I do get is, like with any war, an entire society was altered.

I started bawling when her Korean dad came to the airport. I could tell that he really loved her and I hope they keep in touch.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm also a Korean American adoptee. While I am curious about them, and would not be opposed to meeting them, I haven't ever felt an urgent desire or need to search for or find my birth parents or any other relations, and I was a little leery about the way that watching this vid may leave me feeling. My family went back to Korea as tourists when I was about 12 years old, and we spent some time at the adoption agency my parents had used when they adopted me. I was fortunate enough to meet my foster mother, and we had a small, two-way Q&A with several mothers who were nearing the end of their pregnancies, and whose children were going to be adopted. The Q&A was absolutely crushing, even as a young child who could not yet fully appreciate the incredible onus, responsibility, and fear that these women were carrying. They wept deeply, and with a heavy weight behind their tears. We too wept deeply. I have never cried and sobbed as much as I did then. Having just now finished the vid, I'm glad I watched it through. I found the home movies of Danielle's Arrival Day/Airplane Day/Gotcha Day (I know we've all got different names for it :D) at the beginning of the vid to be extremely touching, which surprised me. The videos my now deceased Grandpa took look exactly the same as the videos Danielle's family took: dimly lit, with a very tired looking Mom and Dad who just could not stop the smiles. I have 30 years of life under my belt now, and while I *know* (in my head) that I, just like Danielle, am every bit an American, part of me - some small usually ignored part of me -cannot help but *feel* ... a bit misplaced, perhaps. I am not sure if these are the words I'm looking for, but they're the first to come to mind. It is a rather queer predicament in which we interethnic adoptees seem to find ourselves. I know full well that I do not belong in Korea; it, just as much as say, South Africa, or New Guinea, is not my home. But home, as it turns out, is an elusive place, an eely state of mind. Another commenter mentioned that in their native land of Denmark, Korean adoptees often feel a bit out of place, and I would concur. Many of us, I'd wager, never quite feel like full-fledged members of the tribe, so to speak, always noticing the subtle nuances that set us out as apart, but also sharply aware that we would feel just as awkwardly off kilter "at home" in Korea. Anyway, I don't know why I'm commenting. My apologies for the lengthy comment... I don't often do much interacting on social media like this. Danielle's story did not grab me by the heartstrings per se, but rather resonated with me, echoed so much of my own childhood, and led me to do some (likely needed) reflective navel-gazing. Many thanks to Asian Boss for making this video, another great one among many. And all the best of luck to Danielle, and all the others out there who are sifting through the weeds, searching for something, someplace, some feeling, looking for home.

The dad walking away crying into his arm is too much for me man.

Her mom in the US is so amazing!!! She doesnt feel insecure about her status as mom, and understands her daughter’s human curiosity to learn about her origins

I thought this was a powerfully emotional episode. I appreciate the sensitivity and depth you brought to the women and their situation. Good work, Asian Boss.

seems the father regretted it soo much pretty sad

I didn’t plan to cry :/ thank you for the amazing content Asian Boss.

That's so sad for the second girl. It can make someone feel so empty when their own parents don't want them and cause so many psychological issues. I hope she feels fulfilled and loved by her American parents.

I'm a Korean adoptee. Thank you for this video. I would love to see videos perhaps on orphans that don't get adopted, but grow up in the Korean "system". Or video about domestic adoptions. I know there is an adoption education center in (Inchon?). Thank you again, I enjoy all of your videos.

It was so touching story. About 25years ago, I was working for european airline as a flight attendant. I have seen so many adaptee babies flying to Europe. Most of them were crying so much during the flight. It broke my heart. I really really hope the best for all of them and Daniella.

I'm bawling. One of my friends from jr high thru high school was a Korean adoptee from the same time period that these women were born. She went to Korea before her sophomore yr in hs and after connecting with her birth mom, had a tiny tattoo on her shoulder that said "Made in Korea". She was a typical outspoken strong American girl, but she had really changed since connecting to her personal history. My heart just goes out to all those who are trying to reconnect to their genealogical backgrounds to find that grounded center and sense of self. This was very beautiful and done with so much respect to these women and their families. Thank you. ❤

This made me cry. When I was teaching in Korea, I met two Korean-American adoptees who were looking for their parents. Asian Boss, you are the boss. You are doing great work.

I went through the whole video without shedding a tear, but then the dad had to pop out of nowhere and surprise her at the airport. It was so sad and touching knowing she got a good feeling of closure and love. It was even more sad seeing the dad cry as he walked away thinking about how ashamed and happy he felt about the situation

I lived in Korea for 5 years and my wife is from there. The complicated social and cultural norms especially from this time period explain why many of these children were put up for adotion. Please don't make the mistake of criticizing the birth parents using an American value system. This young lady while missing the experience of her birth family she was able to get the medical care she needed and she was a blessing to her adoted family. The reunion overall wasn't too bad but you can tell her birth mother is still struggling with it and she needs some time. Her birth dad is great and you know their relationship will blossom in time!

this was one of the best stories covered by asian boss.... thank you for providing us with great content

Her story is so relatable. I'm half Egyptian and I can't speak Arabic. I always felt disconnected from my father's culture because I was never exposed to it. Almost like an identity crisis. She's so strong.

This is so empowering and emotional and raw. Wow.

Thanks for making this video. These stories aren't shared enough, and people tend not to understand the hardships that adoptees go through, even while growing up in loving families. My home country, Denmark, is per capita the country in the world with the most Korean adoptees, and I'm happy to say that I've met and have close relationships with many people with such a background. It's clear to me that more needs to be done to give them a voice, because they are often marginalized and put in a situation, where they don't feel like they 100% belong in either country. Thanks again for another great video, I hope that Danielle, her biological family, and her adopted family all grow and gain and continue to grow and gain a lot from this experience.

*This made me cry tears of joy* I'm also a Korean-American adoptee, being adopted at 6 months. So is my older brother I also thought the same that growing up here in America, made me more American. I was bullied a lot when i was younger. Mainly for my eye shape, since Koreans have almond shaped eyes. I've seen other asians at school, but they never got bullied that i know of, only me. The other kids would make fun of me, calling me Chinese most of the time. People also asked me about whether or not i would want to find and meet my birthparents, i wouldn't know what to say. I am very grateful, that my adopted parents are truly kind and the best parents i could ask for. They helped me and my brother get used to American culture, but also learning about Korean culture Sorry if this was long. The documentary was amazing

This episode made me feel so many emotions! I hope that more adoptees are encouraged by Danielle's story. Thank you for making us more aware Asian Boss!!!

As a Korean, This video was very touchy and I am very sorry for the people who were adopted back then even if they have nothing to do with me. Above all, I am very thankful that I know where I am from and who gave birth to me although my parents got divorced. Hopefully, A lot of prejudice in Korea will be tapering off. And I hope that the day is soon coming that many people will be proud of themselves as a Korean.

this video makes me cry and appreciate my parents so much... despite lacking in financial department they worked hard for us to get education and proper care... I would like to salute all the parents biological or adoptive who love their children despite all circumstances

This is a powerful and well-made video, in my opinion. It hits home, since my wife and I adopted our daughter from Korea in 1991, and our son in 1993, to our home near Dayton, Ohio, USA. We have very similar arrival videos. We are so very grateful to the Dayton Area Korean Association that welcomed all of the Korean adoptees and families in our area to their functions, mostly picnics with games and other Korean cultural activities. Our son, by his own choice spent many summers at a Korean culture camp in Michigan. Our daughter just did not want to go, and we did not force her. Both are doing well now. Both have graduated college, and our daughter is married (and we are hoping for a grandchild someday, but we'll see, right -- that's not our choice). If you are a Korean birthmother reading this, please know we did our best to raise these two amazing children in a loving home and they are now responsible and kind adults, and thank you from our hearts for the lives you have shared with us.

Omg when the father came at the airport I lost it, this is so sad :(

My boyfriend is a Korean adoptee also but he said he has no desire to to find his birth parents. I'm taking him to Korea this year, so I hope he finds some sort of connection to his motherland. Great video! I definitely have a soft spot for adoptees, my mama was adopted herself too. ❤ I can't imagine the emotions that go through your heart.

This is such a sad and remarkable story. Thank you, Asian Boss.

A very high quality and valuable story. Very well done, Asain Boss.

Great video. A lot of children are given up with birth defects or genetic disorders in asian countries due to social pressure of appearances and judgement. The people who adopt the children are amazing and i commend them for doing something that i wish i had the financial stability to do.

I was adopted from South Korea when I was 7. Being half black and Korean made it so difficult to live in Korea.

We as Americans no matter our background or race have a serious duty and responsibility to make the environment as welcoming as possible for folks like this.

This tore straight through me. One of the most touching things I’ve witnessed and was recorded so well. The questions asked were great and really dug deep. I can’t imagine what it’s like for the daughter and father living every day after having met. I’m so proud of him for turning up to say goodbye to her. As a middle aged Korean man, I imagine that took strength and letting his emotional guard down which I know is hard for a lot of older Korean men/fathers. I also feel so heavily for the other daughter who didn’t get the chance for that connection. It was so amazing seeing them in hanbok, they looked so beautiful. Korean culture is beautiful and it was even lovelier seeing them finally be a part of it.

Thats exactly how I felt being raised as a Chinese Adoptee :/ I even made a video on it and also one about how I wanted to be white, but now I've completely accepted myself and am proud of being asian :)

That girl has a wonderful american family. The love between them is heart warming

Wow!! What a story! The last few minutes had me in tears. Bravo Steve, wonderful job!!

As a Korean adoptee myself, this video hit home on so many levels. The questions of, “what are you?”, “did you always know you were different?”, “do you want to find your biological parents?” - I’ve answered all of them. The disassociated feelings from Korean culture, the urge to belong, the insane amount of questions of what my biological parents look like, and the feelings of why I was given up for adoption hit home so hard. I can’t imagine how I’d feel or react if I had the chance to meet my biological parents. Not sure I’ll ever be able to either. I can’t really put into words how moving this story was for me, and to have this video be seen over 100k times is insane! Thank you for showing me a representation that I can finally relate to. Keep up the great work.

Danielle is so well spoken and expresses her complex emotions so well. I can't imagine what she was feeling throughout this process. And my heart broke even more when her friend explained her completely different story. This was a great and important episode.

This was one of the most heart-breaking and emotionally touching adoptee segments I've seen...it really resonated that we all want to know where we come from on a purely biological and human level...but that your family and who becomes your tribe, the ones who choose to love you like her adoptive parents is what real parental love is about. Danielle was lucky to have met her birth parents but to have her mom who chose her as her daughter...

Hello Asian Boss! Since you guys *just* uploaded, I'm gonna make this short so that there actually are chances that you see this- _i love you guys and appreciate the hard work you put in your videos, so thank you for that!!_ Love from India🌹❤️

What a great mother! She should be so very proud of the wonderful girl she raised!

Wow! I was adopted at 13 months from Korea, or so I thought. I am 61 so I guess I was born at the end of the Korean War. Fast forward, my adopted dad was really my dad. Secrets.

Idk why, I just have trouble closing my browser after watching this video... Such a remarkable story.. truly at a loss for words.. the emotions danielle, her parents, and her biological parents must have felt through this whole experience. thank you asian boss and danielle for sharing.

My friend and his wife adopted 2 Korean children as infants..years ago. They are are giving them a loving and good life that I hope their birth parents would be happy about. Because I have seen an adoptee situation in real life, your video and her story is amazing! Its very powerful, emotional and informative. Well done and thank you for your efforts!

I feel so good when mother and daughter talking like a friend 😊

Danielle is such a strong woman for sharing her most intimate personal story about her life and journey to meeting her birth parents. Thanks so much for sharing your story, it's very Inspiring!! Sending lots of love. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎

very emotional but i really enjoyed this! ^^ i'm a chinese adoptee living in scandinavia and i certainly wasn't exposed to my culture of origin either. i grew up in a very white neighborhood, pretty much isolated from other people of color and that's something i really regret my adoptive parents did. lately i've been thinking a lot about my adoption and my biological family and my current dream is to learn mandarin and travel back to china but i right now don't have the money. i'll also try to search for my biological parents in the future, at least then i can live with myself, knowing that i've tried! thank you for sharing this story with us! it's not often adoptees voices get heard, we're always brought up in abortion or lgbtq+ debates but never on our own terms, discussing our own issues and rights. it's really nice to be able to relate to other adoptees since we're often excluded by both white people and "ordinary" asian-americans (or in my case, asian-europeans).

Have never cried over any other video of Asian Boss, but this got me. It just makes me think how I'm truly blessed to be with my birth parents. I hardly had any problem all these years and I take this for granted. People have it worse around us. I cant even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for her to actually meet them and for the other girl probably never being able to see her mother..its just sad. This was so moving and thought provoking. I wish all the best in life to these beautiful girls. ❤

i recently watched a film on Netflix called 'Seoul Searching' and its based on Korean-American 1st generations and Adoptees coming to Korea to learn about their culture etc. it's really funny but also has a good lesson to learn. this was such a great video, thank you ^_^

I’m also a Korean-American adoptee! Born in Busan, South Korea and adopted at six months old by a wonderful family in New York. When I was younger I never really thought much about my biological family. My biological father (according to the couple papers we have on my history) left my biological mother after he found out she was pregnant, and my biological mother didn’t get the support she needed to take care of a child. All in all I’d say pretty typical. My adoptive parents were and are incredibly open about my Korean heritage and always supported my wishes to learn more about my culture. However, up until a few years ago, I was doing more to try and fit in with all the blonde-hair, blue-eyed kids. Luckily, I started gaining more interest in Korean culture through food, music, friends, as well as other things. I feel a pull towards Korea, and I want to return someday soon. Lots of people have asked me if I want to find my birth parents. As for my birth father? No. I don’t think I owe him that. My birth mother? I’m not sure. I know in my heart that I hold no resentment of her, as giving me up was probably in my best interest. After I was born, I was taken immediately into an orphanage, and then was taken care of by a wonderful foster family in Korea. After I was adopted, they said they could never foster again due to it being so difficult to part with me. I have a few precious pictures with of them with me in South Korea. They seem like really good people. I think I’d like to meet them one day. I think my mom is friends with my foster mom on Facebook lol. Honestly, I’m scared to go back. I feel like I’m kind of everything a good, accepted Korean girl isn’t. I’m gay, I’m overweight, I’m darker skinned, I dress more masculine, I’m almost too outspoken about my mental health issues, and I don’t speak fluent Korean. So it makes me nervous just thinking about going back. Some of the above things I can work on. Some of the things I can’t. I WILL go back though. Soon :)

This seriously took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. She is so strong for doing that. And you can tell the father really felt bad for that and that he really loves her. It’s sad that she couldn’t meet her siblings. I hope one day she can.

Seeing her in Hanbok got me in tears, I hope the best for her.💗

Very moving video. Her adopted parents are honorable. Good to see her biological parents are trying to get to know her. I hope they can continue to develop their relationship.

Danielle's adoptive mother is a kind, giving, loving, genuine, good person. God bless her! She raised a fine young lady. Danielle, you are classy as hell. Keep going!

Steve, your interview style is remarkable. You ask thoughtful, intelligent questions with a great deal of empathy. You really care about the people you talk to. It’s refreshing. It’s the type of journalism we need more of.

Asian Boss dropping the tear inspirational stories out of nowhere! This was such an excellent piece. I really like how you gave us a narrative and something more like a short documentary. This video is a refreshing and well-crafted change from the usual interview format you deliver.

The relation with her mother (foster mother), is so precious and there's clearly so much love, that I'm happy for her ❤️ Thanks for the beautiful story!

ive watched 4 videos of these adoptee stories now and have been crying non-stop

This video just shows family are the ones who love you and support you, not necessarily who are biologically related. So heartwarming.

Wow... This is very touching and powerful. I hope Danielle can meet her siblings and just be happy. I'm glad she had the opportunity to meet her birth parents, unlike her friend. I really hope her friend also can do something about it... The best of wishes for both of them and for all the adoptees around the world, korean or not, who are on the search for their birth parents.

Another great work from Asian Boss. 新年快乐! 새해 복 많이 받으십시오! Happy Lunar New Year to all!

HOT DAMN WHAT A SUPPORTIVE MOM

My most favorite Asian Boss episode, next to the interviews with the North Koreans who escaped and now live in South Korea. I cried when the birth father came to say goodbye and how Danielle was so surprised. Keep making more episodes like this.

*I have never related more to an adoption story in my life.* Almost everything I can relate too. Especially with the cleft lip and pallet.

There are really emotional and powerful messages lie within the story, i dont expect to be so emotional and even burst into tears after watching this video. This made realize how i am so lucky to have such loving parents and make me appreciate my life even more. I wish the other adoptees can be encouraged by the ladies’ stories. Be strong! Thank you for making another amazing work, Asian Boss!

It was so good to see the dad care so much. How lucky of her to have so many people to love and be loved by

Awww, Danielle's adopted mother seems so supportive and kind.

I can’t stop bawling. Such an intensely bittersweet story. Bless both of these ladies. ❤️

This filming , atrracted , and feel invloved deeply to me , watching 10times. Thanks asian boss.

What a perceptive story: the interviewer was empathetic and the interviewee was so articulate. I learned so much about the trauma of finding your biological & cultural roots. The relations are so complicated. We only learn by watching their emotions to decipher what's going on. I now have a lot more empathy for the adoptees and their birth parents. What courage to face these strong and indescribable feelings!

This was so good! I need a tissue warning next time though.

I cried too after watching the photo of her meeting her birth parents, I’m so proud of her adopted parents.

proud to be one of your subscribers, for things like this you and Kei and all the people who make videos are Asian Bosses, thank you for bringing your vision of Asia to us

Thank you so much for including a story like this. My mother is half-Korean and an adoptee from the Korean War. We visited Korea together last year, her first time back since being adopted in 1954. We also somehow found her first orphanage in Chuncheon where they still had photo albums of her and her adopted sister. It's such an instant gut wrenching feeling seeing other adoptees share their story. I've watched my mother deal with the specific pain and strange alienation being a foreign adoptee brings. I have so much admiration for the personal strength of adoptees. You guys make such fantastic videos and I am so happy to have found your channel. I absolutely love hearing people's stories and getting the perspectives of actual people living in their countries. Your interviews in Korea have taught me so much! I would love to speak the language one day. Have you ever considered making a video about Hapa (mixed) people and how they are received in respective countries? There is such an intense history regarding mixed race children, especially in post war Korea. I would be interested to hear Korean perspectives on Hapa adoptees returning to Korea. Thank you.

Hi Asian Boss, I am also a Korean American adoptee. A year ago I watched this video on a whim because it came up in the algorithm. I was surprised to learn that she and I were both adopted through the same agency. I was always curious but assumed a search would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, but when I saw how easy it was for her I decided to look into it. It is now 1 year later, and I just returned from my second trip to Korea. I've met my birth mother, my 3 half siblings, my grandparents, my many aunts and uncles, and all of my cousins. It seems crazy, but over the past year alone, I established contact with my birth mother, started learning Korean, exchanged letters, planned a trip, met my birth mother, met my grandparents, met my aunts, met my little siblings, and even lived with my family for a few weeks. If it weren't for this video, I don't think I would have started searching. I really had no idea it was so simple in this modern age. So thank you Asian Boss for creating content like this. Thank you for helping me reunite with my family, for life.

Heartbreaking at the same time it's nice to know they are able to find their completeness. Not all stories end in a happy ending but the best thing is that they know the truth.

I wasn’t planning on crying and I tried to hold my tears back but towards the end of the video when the father said goodbye to her at the airport...urgh, the feels struck me down!!! Great video, Asian Boss! Keep up with the amazing contents like these, more videos on social issues!

I am really full with tears right now especially the end of the video meeting her dad to say goodbye unexpectedly

This video hits home so hard. I am an American Korean adoptee too. Thank you Danielle for sharing our story. Your experience and your feelings and thoughts about everything are like mine.

This is intense for me. My aunt was adopted from Korea in the 70s. She passed away 10 years ago due to illness. She had a similar experience of hatred from other Koreans when she came back. I miss her so much. Also I think it's important that people can have a look into their family especially for medical reasons. She battled with Polio and pneumonia and I just wish my grandparents would have been able to do more for her when they adopted her. Seeing Danielle's father is heartbreaking.

thanks danielle for sharing your story. i am left sobbing after watching you leave your father and your mother country. your story is heart wrenching and also heart warming because you got the happy ending of finding and meeting and creating a relationship with your birth parents. you are so strong and it was a joy to watch.

This is so fascinating and compelling. We all need to just take it in and not judge anyone, but these young women are having an amazing and wonderful life journey, speed bumps and all . . .

“Thanks” Asian Boss - stories like this are SO important and so impactful! The BBC doc series “Our World” did a similar story a couple of years ago about a Chinese girl adoptee who was abandoned on the street as a baby, then returned to meet her birth parents around age 20. Incredibly moving.

Thank you Asian boss for giving us amazing insights and providing Danielle an opportunity to share her story ! Such a heart wrenching video and I admire these girls for being so courageous, I only wish them the best. Gosh that shot of the father leaving the airport really got me

I cried. Thank you Asian Boss. You never fail to share content that really makes one think.

This video was so informative and also completely heartbreaking. I am literally sobbing! I hope these young ladies have found peace and closure in their journeys. Well done Asian Boss

Amazing story and really appreciate the courage in telling and filming an emotionally difficult topic. Kudos!

Thank you Danielle for sharing, thank you Asian Boss for making this short documentary of Danielles' story.

I feel so sad for the second interviewee. Her mother was an orphan and she wasn't able to meet with her or the father. Hope one day that will come true

This video is definitely my favorite you guys have uploaded this far. I found Danielle's story to be very touching. Her adopted parents are incredible people. She's so strong and I hope her only the very best as she comes to embrace her culture.

That was a very touching story. Thanks to Daniella, her family and her friend for sharing it.

And for the record, Caucasians do ask each other what they are... German, English, Norwegian, Slavic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish, Swiss, Dutch. Usually if an American is asking you what you are, it's just curiosity and a fascinating conversation piece.

Woow a great story, I'm proud of her and adopted parents. It makes me cry. I'm so happy that she found her birth parents.

I sincerely think that's one of the best, and certainly the most touching, documentaries I've ever seen. If there's a KZfaq equivalent of the Oscars, it should be nominated. I cried through it, then played it the next day for my GF (who immigrated to the U.S. from Korea as a teenager, with her family), and we cried through it together. Danielle is such a sweet, strong, bright and lovely young lady... you just want to give her a big hug. Your film builds empathy for her, and for the sense of guilt her biological parents clearly feel.

i’m glad Danielle reached out to share this incredibly complex story of her life. I’m sure she is feeling all sorts of emotions and it’s glad to hear that she is still keeping in touch with her birth parents. Such a touching story.

Inspiring story. I love her parents ( American)

As an adoptee, this video hits me hard. Beautifully done and informative! Thank you.

This brought me tears of pain then tears of joy to see how much at the end they are so much loved and appreciated and cared for they are!

This is why identity and representation is so important. To know your roots is such a blessing. It may not matter to some, but to others, it’s all they could ever become. It’s literally a complete circle.