Korean Adoptee Story - "aka DAN" KOREAN ADOPTEE DOC Pt. 1

[@hollywoodgrunt]

I just started the search for my birth parents through ESWS. I was adopted at 6 months old from Daegu, South Korea. Your video has given me the strength and patience to endure this process. Thank you for sharing your story, Dan.

[@ISATV]

Park Jin Tae 박진태 Thank you for watching!

[@Livelife424]

+Park Jin Tae 박진태 I was also adopted from Daegu!

[@Logicsupremacy]

Tim Whittaker God bless you

[@Logicsupremacy]

Park Jin Tae 박진태 God bless you

[@veeveegem]

@@geronimo4621 How can you be so mean? The least that you can do is sympathize.

[@wongfupro]

Congrats Dan. So glad your story can finally be shared with everyone in the world!

[@tamilynogawa7691]

This made me cry so much /;')

[@tamilynogawa7691]

I love this sooooooo much

[@ISATV]

Wouldn't have been possible with you out you guys!

[@tamilynogawa7691]

Awww thnx and you must be super happy to find balance right? ;D

[@eileenchow2867]

Tamilyn Ogaw

[@feztheshep]

The only thing I had trouble with in school were people saying "your real mom" because I'm like, my mom is my real mom. That's my biological mom, but my mom is my real mom too.

[@autumnromero3653]

I know right! I'm a Chinese adoptee, and I have pretty much zero hope of ever finding my biological parents, but I've come to terms with that. I totally know what you mean by when people say "real" parents. Both sets of parents are real, I SWEAR lol. Just wanted to say something because I can relate to this haha.

[@feztheshep]

Hey I can relate with being a Chinese adoptee who has pretty much zero hope of finding my bio parents too!

[@autumnromero3653]

Yay we're matching!

[@Ryveigha]

Autumn Romero Hey I'm a Chinese adoptee too! No hope of finding my biological parents either. Sometimes it is hard not being able to be with parents that share features with me like biological families do. Well, it's hard for me sometimes anyways. I was aadopted into America with lots of white people everywhere and few Asians. Sometimes I wonder "Where did my nose come from? What kind of lives did my parents leave? Why did they leave me to the care of an orphanage? Do they look like me? What would they think if they could see me now? Would they be proud? Ashamed? Happy? Scared? Are they artistic like me? Or athletic like my adoptive family? Do they enjoy jokes as much as I do?" So many questions, not enough possibility to ever ask them.

[@autumnromero3653]

Rose H I wonder the exact same things! I guess we just have to leave it up to the imagination. I also go to this thing called Chinese Heritage Camp. I don't know if you've gone or heard of it but it's super fun! A bunch of adoptees like you and I get together and we do fun stuff. It's pretty awesome being around a bunch of asians and feel like you "blend in" once in a while haha.

[@SirAgravaine]

Oh man, I seriously teared up. I feel so bad for your birth parents because they really didn't want to give you up, but they felt they had no other choice. On the other hand, I'm really happy for your parents because they got to have you!

[@ISATV]

Happy Mother's Day to Everyone. Especially today - we're proud to have released a series that examines the importance of mothers in our lives. Whether foster, adoptive, or biological.

[@MissyStylee]

I think there's no love is more deep than the adoptive mother....I admire Lynne so much!

[@LucyHon]

The FungBros brought me here. This is emotional and thanks for sharing your story Dan.

[@DANakaDANtv]

lucy anon awesome!

[@Rosefantasticworld]

Me2

[@IndigoRoses7]

the letter from his biological mother..instant tears down my face. I'm adopted myself and it just makes my day when I see an adoption story like this

[@JulieTao96]

I cried. Kind of a lot. How inspirational and moving, thank you for making this documentary, it is eye opening.

[@ISATV]

thank you so much for watching!

[@geronimo4621]

you re an idiot....

[@famousamos]

This documentary is awesome. I mentor a freshmen at my university who is a Korean American adoptee.

[@ISATV]

make sure he sees!

[@thatzombieplace]

racist

[@Resonance1919]

yo wat up woojong

[@yolokpop9255]

Woojong with the Word i found your old comment😂😂😂

[@wysfamalam8456]

Dude ive seen u on pretty much every adoption/sad documentary to do with asian kids lol

[@Anne-km2xc]

This so rocks! I hope that my daughter, from Ethiopia, gets to meet her birth mother, and can extend her family to include knowing her. Thank you for telling your story. Lovely.

[@ISATV]

Thanks for watching!

[@-maquia-]

Hey, I’m an Ethiopian adoptee as well!! But honestly it’s a bit of a myth that we have a complex about meeting our birth parents. Of course, I’d like to know their medical history, but I personally don’t know them and don’t really care what happens to them. But if your daughter grows up wanting to meet her biological mother, then I wish her luck!!

[@hotsaucepng7961]

I hope u let her learn the language so there is no barrier

[@ramdas363]

I'm not even adopted but I keep watching all these adoptee documentaries because they're so addictive. This one's really well made and the dude got really lucky with his families, they both seem very nice. Also I'm not crying, there's something in my eyes.

[@bellarosie63]

Your mom giving you the album and hugging you and telling you to embrace your extended family was very touching... Your parents have the biggest heart not only did they adopt you but your sister too. You guys are very lucky to have them as parents. In my opinion, your biological parents have the heaviest heart and toughest love for you. It must have been hard to give up their child for adoption and looking at your twin brother everyday that constantly reminded them about you ..

[@umayusu]

I've just watched this episode so far, but I've already cried twice. The story itself is so deeply emotional and I love how it comes through with the simple, unadorned style of this documentary. Thank you for having the courage to share something so personal with the rest of us

[@sleepovr]

It's hard to see him reading letter from his dad, specially the part about they have to let him ago. I saw pain in his eyes, I saw him ask "why it has to be me ?". What a different life it would be if condition was different ... Dan is a strong man ... Damn ninja cutting unions ...

[@fvnt0miix953]

I think they made the right decision tho. I'm sure Dan lived a better life in the USA than he would have in Korea. Having your real parents around you is nice, but having a good living condition is even more important imo. Of course he had to suffer thru bullies and discrimination from the white kids, but at least he had a nice house to live in, no worries about food and money. So yea, I think it's not a bad thing that they left him for adoption.

[@AlexBabcock-hw9iz]

Bullies and discrimination from white kids, just the white kids no black or hispanic kids or even other types of asians. No that would never happen right?

[@hafsa1698]

FVNT0M IIX his bio family seemed like they had a good enough living condition, with 2 kids and all. Plus when his twin took them to his childhood neighbourhood he said that he had a lot of positive memories there.

[@nnn-v6w]

Chris P. Bacon that really sucks.. I was tormented for YEars because I lived in a predominately white area

[@natashaadelina7325]

I know. And I think it hurts more considering that while yeah, the Matthews are better but back then, the chance that Dan would eventually be adopted to an actual good family was like 50%. The fact that the father had to, and eventually did, choose to believe that 50% was... amazing.

[@rosepo4076]

I can't stop crying. God bless your parents. They raised you well.

[@worshipthecomedygodseoeunk4010]

In response to those who don't get why we search: In my opinion, it's not just a matter of finding someone blood related, but also trying to forgive the ones who gave you up. Especially if you find out they hadn't really wanted to abandon you, but were sort of forced to make a difficult choice, which happens a lot more than you realize, you received all that unconditional love so it's only natural to give some of it back no matter how hurt you are in whatever circumstances. Also, I don't think it's very considerate of some people to be questioning in the first place. Were you adopted? No. So I'd suggest maybe listening to those who are.

[@HKim0072]

It’s a fair question. But, I think it just comes down to people’s background. I had more issues about being Asian in a white town rather than being adopted. Resolved that by moving to a more diverse area. Had no desire to search for my birth relations, but they made a search for me. And I connected with them later. I’m one of the rare people that my parents never moved or changed their phone number, so it was easy for the connection to happen.

[@deeb.9250]

I'm surprised they gave poor parents option for adoption as a way out... I hope Korea has better health care now, even if you have no money you can still keep your children.

[@808slowly]

The pure emotion is priceless. Great documentary. You are loved by both family as your adoptive Mom said. That scene was the most touching.

[@DenysiaYu]

I'll admit it, I cried a little when Dan was talking to his mom. It was a really moving moment.

[@InJensLife]

This is so hard to watch because it just brings me to tears. I'm so glad that there people your parents to become such wonderful parents for people like you. :')

[@torimcinnes7172]

My husband and I are in the process of adopting siblings from Korea. Thank you for making this documentary it was very touching to our hearts

[@yeinpark6206]

what an extraordinary story, with complicated emotions. The adoptive mother seems so warm and kind-hearted. I also felt really said when his biological mother said "your father had to make the decision". It makes it sound like she didn't have much choice in the matter :(

[@snickiesnicker]

I cried when Mrs Matthews hugged Dan and also when she was talking about her life. Such a strong woman with big heart :')

[@GabrielaCenturionNeumann]

I have a friend who was adopted when a newborn. I had never really paid much attention to that fact. For someone looking from the outside, it just seemed like a blessing that my friend could have a loving family. But there's so much more to it, isn't it? For everyone involved. I think I can understand how my friend might be feeling a little better now that I've seen this. My friend is not a very talkative person... but I will keep trying to get my friend to open up, if that is my friend's wish. I will try to understand the situation better, try to not assume things but to just listen and be there. I couldn't help but crying. It was filled with emotions, real ones. Thank you for deciding to share this with us worldwide. A very big hug from Paraguay. For you and your family. All of them.

[@jantruitt9241]

OMG this is so bittersweet! I am crying for his adoptive mother, his birth mother and for him! I am hoping everyone will come to some sort of understanding that this was probably best for everyone concerned. Being related doesn’t always work with some families who have always been together, think about it! I am hoping for some middle ground that everyone can stand upon and make the very best for everyone! Thank you for sharing this program.

[@irsayson]

Its been 8 years and I remember watching this documentary for the first time. One of the most touching series I've seen online. I hope Dan and his closest are keeping safe. Sending y'all love!!

[@katmcdowellmusic]

Dan this is such an amazing story! Thank you for sharing it with the world!

[@soyoung]

Congratulations Dan :D, beautiful documentary !!

[@crystalblue3842]

Your mom is so beautiful. I teared up when she hugged you

[@madeleinetze45]

such an emotional documentary which really so touch and made my tears flow.

[@DroidFloyd]

OMG! I actually shed tears, I wish the best for Dan and both families.

[@naraimonjapanese1929]

Mom: How's the packing going? Son: It's good. Almost done. Well, not almost done but.. Universal Mom-Child conversation

[@jef9925]

Wow, mom Lynne Matthews gave me chills and everything. 💕💕💕

[@Missjbnn]

Oh wow. No words, only tears. I'm only on part 1 but this got me so emotional already. Thanks for sharing your story. This is really beautiful

[@hillaryk4795]

From a fellow Korean adoptee, it's so wonderful you've found your birth family and are able to share your story on such a platform. I find it very interesting to hear other adoption stories and I feel mine is very similar to yours. I am excited to see the rest of the story :) thank you for sharing such an intimate emotional time of your life. I remember my first time back to Korea and the day I met my mother. I've never been so out of my element and so mixed emotionally, but it was hands down the best moment of my life.

[@ednagarcia6412]

A lots of tears when her mom let him to go meet his biological parents and siblings....happy for you Dan God bless you...you have a good heart...

[@leannsadventure]

My boyfriend is also a Korean adoptee and I made him watch this with me. I asked him if he was curious about his brith parents. Unfortunately he isn't, but this was still really inspiring. Thank you for sharing this!

[@danil.6667]

Watching this while hormonal was the wrong choice. Lol.

[@salmaselma23]

same here hahah

[@halesthehero2921]

The trend continues hahahahaha everything hurts

[@carrieyaj]

Lmfao...agreed

[@Godivarealness]

I didnt even make it half way 😭😂

[@namaste_charlei]

Agreed! Chocolate is easing my emotions.

[@spikesbnl]

Omg, I was adopted through Eastern also and did my birth search in 2012. After that I went through a Korean adoptee language program in 2015 and met many other ESWS adoptees, and we are thinking about starting a channel to share our stories because it's so important for people to know about what it all entails. Thanks for sharing your story. It's an emotional roller coaster that we have all been through.

[@aishitaruiluvu]

The parents who adopted Dan is so selfless and loving. God bless them!

[@BubbaGumpShrimping]

What the… that KZbin algorithm is so crazy! Pretty sure I went to HS with this guy 😂 happy for you Dan!

[@EdisionSun]

Omg this is so touching that i have to leave a comment. As a korean myself i feel so connected and blessed that i have my parents with me. God bless you

[@TheOCHapa]

Awesome story...it brings tears to my eyes. I can totally relate as I was also adopted and was recently reunited with my birth family. I can't wait for the next episode! Good job ISAtv and Wong Fu Productions, keep up the quality work!

[@ISATV]

Thank you so much!

[@ryls1449]

I just saw this on Arirang TV today and I can't stop crying.. Such a beautiful documentary!

[@jovannacota2012]

I’m super hormonal and pregnant right now and I cried almost the whole time... My heart is bursting right now, you are strong 💪🏼 god bless your beautiful soul And heart of gold

[@lovestolove93]

i think it's just so mind blowing that one day you find out you're a twin.happened to my mom's cousin, but she didnt know she was adopted and so one day on her way back home she pass by another person that looked exactly like her like imagine the shock XD awesome video btw!!

[@irikegiraffes]

Watching this because of WongFu's new Lunch Break episode! I'm first-generation Taiwanese in my family, and I loved the perspective change this video provided me. :) I'm probably going to be up very late tonight watching the remaining 6 parts..hehe

[@hramirez5151]

I'm so excited to watch this story!!!!! I'm at the part of ur mom having cancer. I saw ur story on ytnation I had to quickly change over. God bless ya excited to hear and see what I am gonna see :)

[@DANakaDANtv]

appreciate you watching!

[@kohrs22]

6:37 I can totally relate to how he felt. I was adopted from South Korea as well, and I'm still finding the opportunity to meet my birth parents! Congrats to you Dan!

[@kellybelly1004]

Awwwww his adoptive mother is so supportive~ Love watching this

[@krisityyy92]

really inspiring, but am I the only one surprised that he's 29 years old and he looks 20? haha just joking

[@chronos13]

your mother is an amazing person

[@nigeriansista]

when his mom was talking around 9:15, she was giving me chills. such powerful and loving statements

[@DrMOud]

I couldn't not cry... it's unbelievable.. I wish you all the happiness and joy and all the love from both families. You're so lucky, Dan, twise lucky for being loved 2 times as much as other kids. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@tracyhappy23]

Just finished watching all 4 episodes, I am so happy everything worked out for you Dan! The last episode definitely made me cry for a while... but I'm happy your parents were not camera shy anymore. So glad to see your identical brother visiting you in LA. I hope you the best! :)

[@Matokiie]

kinda sucks that he got left behind and adopted while his twin brother stayed....:(

[@melatonin12]

His family couldn't afford two kids at the time

[@KatieMei]

Plus, his health was worse & so he has sent to hopefully have a better life where he could be tooken care of & made sure he was well nourished

[@adamstrasd2136]

well i was actually more sad about what his birth parents would have had to go through. they had to make a choice between their twin sons. i mean... who can? the fact that wanting to raise both of their children, was only a selfish hope, is just too sad in my opinion.

+Anthony Tran you mean they couldnt sell Both..lol

[@hikariishida8163]

MEEP MEEP BEEP BEEP and what ironically they have daughter, I mean they have better live after that right?

[@Morning_glory_star]

This made me cry. Dan, I'm so happy that you didn't give up your search for your birth parents. There is no way I can ever relate to you but know that you have my support 100% of the way! And thank you for sharing your story with us! Congratulations on finding your birth parents! Love from extended family

[@RyeTwinkie]

I think this is the best thing you guys have ever released on this channel.

[@MommyOfZoeAndLiam]

I love this! The emails from your birth parents are so touching. I am a mother and I cannot imagine what that would be like to give up your children in the hope that someone else can do for them what you cannot, provide good medical care, food, shelter, education, but always wondering are they loved, are they happy, did they survive? Did I do the right thing? Do they hate me for giving them up? Do they think they were unwanted? And then going on with your life because you must and eventually being able to have more children and always wondering about your first children. I have always believed that parents who voluntarily relinquish their child for the chance at a better life are heroes. A selfish person would think of themselves and how much they will miss their child, but a truly loving parent thinks of their child and what they can have by joining an adoptive family. I know some people who have adopted and for them they think of the birth parents as their greatest heroes because they gave them the gift of being parents. They tried for over 10 years to have a child and went through the heartbreak of finally becoming pregnant after lots of painful medical intervention, and then still losing that baby due to other medical issues. Then they t ride fostering and tried adopting and twice they had children given to them and then taken away adoption red tape is sometimes changed by money and the second time was very painful as they raised a baby for a year as foster parents, but always being told they could adopt as soon as the baby was officially signed over for adoption, but then somehow in the finalized paperwork someone paid the birth mother to add an addendum that the baby had to go to a certain couple or she wouldn't sign the papers, so after a year, the child was taken from them. Finally they did get a child and were able to adopt and they love that child very much and are so thankful to the woman who brought her into the world for them.

[@naname3394]

Im teary rn. I also have twin. Watching this made me realize that Im so grateful to be able to live my whole live with my sist. Can't imagine living without her. She correcs me when I did mistakes. She reminds me whenever I forget cause I forget easily. She's always there whenever Im feeling down. I love my twin sister so much. Thank God. Dan, so happy that you can finally meet ur brother. IM TEARING RIGHT NOW. SO HARD

[@MsSpitfire21]

Wow. I am so happy to see a documentary of this. I am also a Korean Adoptee. I've always thought about finding my birth family and meeting them. Watching this has brought up many things I can relate to. Can't wait for the other episodes.

[@dlawbyaaj]

What an empowering story! I always cry when I'm watching these stories... Good luck and keep us posted

[@miriamarit]

You made my tears fall "aka Dan" with your story. You are blest with good adoptive parents...my

[@hyunb4steve302]

Thanks for making this series Dan! I'm and adoptee too and I'm going "back" to Korea this summer for the first time and will possibly meet my birth mother/family also. I watched this several weeks back and it really inspired me to want to document my journey in Korea as well. Again thanks for sharing your story man, really amazing!

[@angelkim.9549]

The message from his birth mum had me crying 😭😭😭😭

[@stephaniehanton8315]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You made me cry tears of joy and pain. You are a beautiful human being surrounded by love.

[@DANakaDANtv]

Stephanie Hanton Thank you for watching!

[@HomegrownTyrone]

Couldn't hold back the tears when you were reading the letters from your birth parents :'(

[@rabiarasool1510]

I came to it accidentally and I loved it..., I loved the way u coped with it all.... I hope that u have a great life ahead and u too be happy with both of ur families.... U r one lucky dude man

[@foreverfallen1x]

I'm tearing up because of this. I feel that the next part will make me bawl my eyes out. This is amazing.

[@yeliampatel4459]

When I went to study abroad in Korea, I volunteered in that orphanage. I am glad to see people adopted from this place doing well. I wanted to adopt all the children! I am not Korean but I love Korea.

[@cherark1]

Dan what a beautiful beautiful story of ur life-- May God Bless you son

[@lucyh9771]

Congrats Dan on sharing your story! I watched all the episodes and actually watching the first one again.

[@DANakaDANtv]

MiracleOfYin Thanks! keep sharing!

[@KeroOnemusic]

A great doc. Congrats bro

[@바다-o5u2s]

He is lucky, he has an awesome family especially mom, soooooo lovely

[@annalai788]

I've only watched two episodes so far but I just find that its harsh that they separated twins. Despite hard times, deciding to keep one but give another one. I feel that they should have been kept together, it is SO hard on a person to realise that. I know Dan you spoke about the anxiety of what they think and I admire the fact that you're elated rather than angry or upset. But I do have to say that they could have looked for you too. Especially since you had half of you out there as well, your twin.

[@maryravindran1]

i cried when he is reading his biological mom and dad's mail...i can imagine how sad his mom was when he was given away for adoption..

[@paradoxicalenigma1733]

My goodness. So touching. I am so happy he was able to have this wonderful life experience.

[@anzuluv]

I ended up crying a lot while watching this like a big baby haha! I'm not adopted, but my mom remarried and move to the USA when I was little, and I haven't seen most of my family since then. I know I'll probably have to do this too some day, and this gave me a little bit of courage to do so. Thanks!

[@redgrim113]

DANakaDAN hay its Aaron G. from Ball State. again thank you for coming out all the way to visit us and help with the fashion show. your a true blessing. i posted the vid on my FB in order to help get it out there again thanks for everything. your starting something big. hope you keep on going strong.

[@TheyCallMeZ3Y]

ive never cried this much in my life.. I feel so happy for you Daniel.

[@OGDweeb]

Dan's adoptive mother is so loving and selfless. What a wonderful woman.

[@EchoDowdy-z2c]

정말 좋은 가족을 만났네요. 정말 행운아다! 너무 멋지신 양부모님~!

[@chip877]

Beautiful story ! you were blessed with 2 family's that love you !!!

[@Outdoors49Man]

I still weep when I watch this. I actually recognized and got to shake hands with Dan at a Wongfu event.

[@sonnyhoogendoorn9538]

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm also adopted from Korea as is my brother. His Korean name is In Soo Park -- your story touched our hearts and inspired us as well.

[@haruharu_letsgo]

Nice! Same as Dan's!

[@amarillo56s]

I just can't watch this without tears. Thank you for sharing the story.

[@ISATV]

thanks! stay tuned for more!

[@CathyLynnBryantAuthor]

I watched all of the documentary. Thank you so much for sharing such a touching story. May God bless Dan and his family, adopted and biological. ♥

[@ebfebf5557]

i wanna congratulate Dan for being able to trace back his roots. Yours is an amazing story. I'm glad you've been united to your real family and kudos to your adoptive family for being able to raise you well...

[@exileexecutus]

This is so weird. I'm from Norway and a few years back i found his music, even got a signed CD from him. I'm also a korean adoptee, had no idea he was too.

[@Alexandra-wb2pf]

I´ve been shedding tears throughout most of this videdo.

[@licheeeeee]

Where is part 3!!!? Very Inspiring story. I'm sure a lot of people can relate in this situation and find hope for themselves too. All the best to you.

[@DANakaDANtv]

liza her , Part 3 comes out Thursday! So... tomorrow. Thanks for your support.

[@petrinatravels]

I have to say, this documentary episode really moved me and made me feel super emotional for someone I don't even know.

[@conniewong4837]

Couldn't hold up my tear, thank you for sharing! God's blessing!

[@sadiakhan932]

Ahhhh!!! This is amazing!!! I'm very new to your channel and you are very good!! And you being Korean just makes it even more better!!!!

[@typicaljeremy]

Wow, thank you for sharing this emotional and exciting time in your life.

[@slksrkhrr613]

Scene that got to me the most was when Dan and his mom were hugging....there was so many unspoken words and feelings in that scene......eyes did a lot of the talking......they wanted to open up but yet were conscious of the camera too.

[@raissacampos4947]

His mom is amazing! Am i teh only one crying along whit them?😭

[@EchoDolph]

Crazy this was almost 10 years ago! That editing hitting kinda hard ngl

[@m.el.i]

I was crying. I am so happy you were able to find your family.

[@just_some_donkus]

Your momma made me cry!

[@Auntkekebaby]

She got me too.