Meeting my Biological Parents - "aka DAN" KOREAN ADOPTEE DOC Pt. 2

[@jillwordekemper4035]

What you said about wanting to make sure that you were not being disrespectful of the birth family search process really resonated with me. What I want you to know is that for me, and many other adoptive mothers watching this video, this experience is educating me about the emotions, and process that go into the search. I can only imagine what it will be like for my daughter to meet her birth family one day. So while filming your experience may seem to make it less personal for you. I appreciate your sacrifice to let others walk in your shoes and see your experience. Thank you!

[@HwaJooAdventures]

+Jill wordekemper From an adoptee to an adoptive mom, you make our worlds everything

[@5jones]

Yeah, your journey is personal and done in a way that defines you. Film and music is something that defines you so this makes perfect sense.

[@lmadelasalas]

I know you have mixed emotions about sharing your story to the world... but in my eyes, you are helping THOUSANDS of people gain better insight in all the different aspects of adoption. Not just Korean adoptees but also domestic and international adoptees, their adoptive families and extended families, and biological families. I'm blown away, so far! On to Part 3 :) THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY!!

[@808slowly]

No don't feel bad. It actually educates those who are not adopted to see your true raw emotions. The fact that you can show that even when the cameras are on you is again, priceless. Great job!!!

[@cricketsmith368]

Dan...In filming this I do NOT believe that you are being disrespectful to anyone. It is a documentation for you, your adoptive family, & your future children, grandchildren, etc. How wonderful an opportunity you have been blessed with in being able to do this!

[@famousamos]

This documentary makes me so excited because I am visiting Korea this summer for the first time ever.

[@jiyeonkahng]

Oh hey you! I'm going to Korea this summer too! can't believe it's your first time, that's even more exiciting

[@MisoHungryForTravel]

It does make Korea look like a fun and amazing place!

[@patstokes3615]

I think what you are doing is really enlightening for those that have parents that were adopted. My poor mother who is almost 100 has no idea where she come from and it still weighs on her mind. Her family never told her and she never asked. What you are doing is important to understand what happens when adoption happens to two families and to one child that didn't have a chose in any of it.

[@MrJtecco]

Thanks for sharing your story, even though I am 5 years late. My appreciation is beyond words. I was adopted in 1974 and recently started my birth family search. Thank you again, and I can't wait to see the progression of your experience.

[@arunjosep1410]

Did you found them? Where?

[@ImSoKhou]

Just the look on his face is emotional. I can't wait to watch the next episode. Thanks for sharing your life changing journey with us.

[@marbethjoyfaraon]

"...ended up with this fan. Got this fan last night... you know who you are." LOL

[@carolinedias4958]

He totally hooked up with some girl

[@KimAhrina11]

@@carolinedias4958 are you mean like he has s*x or something?? 🤔

[@nnn-v6w]

Merlin Ria yes Lmao

[@darkcontinentschild2962]

sooyoung 🤣😂🤣 right??

[@towngirl1665]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ he is hugging everybody and Korean people don't hug, like ever...

[@krshnacapaque8677]

I started watching this documentary after it was mentioned in a WFP Lunch Break and I'm so glad I did. I think it's great that you shared the process and your feelings, and you shouldn't feel guilty about publicising your experience...your documentary could really help others in the future :)

[@exoticmixedazn]

Dan I love that recorded this because as for many, some people adopted aren't able to find their biological parents and get to experience what it may be like. Or still giving them some hope I think these documentaries are amazing being Korean and adopted. Wish I was as lucky to get to experience all of that but u give me the opportunity Watching these. Thank u

[@katzcab3527]

Thank you for sharing your adoption story. I was once a teen mom and contemplated adoption. My son is now 16 and we traveled a long hard road of growth and discovery together. You remind that things happen for a reason. Good luck to you!

[@anneongmk2440]

I was totally in tears from the first episode, came straight here to watch this and there were all these clubbing scenes... I'm like what?! lol Anyways, love everything about this documentary, the contents, music and DAN obviously

[@ISATV]

Thank you!

[@Laurapooh20]

9:50 Thanks for sharing your story, Dan. I don't think you are being disrespectful. Yours is an important story to tell, and so many are positively impacted by your choice to share it with the world. I don't know who you are (sorry I don't follow your music). I found a link to this because I support international adoption and it was in a recommended link. And I also subscribe to wong fu! So small world. God bless!

[@DANakaDANtv]

thank you for that note!

[@stargirl103399]

This was really inspiring to watch. People always ask me if I'm adopted, considering I'm half-Korean, half-Chinese, and my last name is very European. It was actually my dad who was adopted and growing up in a primarily white and Hispanic area of Texas made him feel more estranged, especially after his adoptive father left his adoptive family too. Before my father passed away when I was a child, he had tried to find his birth parents. With technology now, I wonder if I can find them for him. Your documentary has really given me some insight on how he felt and how I can fulfill one of his wishes. Thank you sincerely.

[@MommyOfZoeAndLiam]

achinadoll I know this is five years old, but did you try and if so, what happened?

[@sharonwilliams249]

Your desire to make a search on behalf of your father is very honoring no matter the outcome. Blessings

[@discernthebible]

I'm so very glad you chose to share your family's & your story with everyone. It was not like "a circus/carnival" at all to me & I truly appreciate everyone who chose to participate. Thank you all & God bless both of your mother's & families!

[@just_some_donkus]

I am so thankful that you did film this documentary and share it with people. I don't think you were being disrespectful. My mom is adopted and sometimes I wonder about that whole side of the family I know nothing about. Honestly I'm really touched that you would share something personal like this and I'm really thankful. Even though it's already done and past, I feel like I'm a part of things, I'm here supporting you!

[@pb695]

its really touching.. to finally meet your long lost family and to realise u have an identical twins who might look exactly like you... i hope your videos gives hope to both parents and their child who was adopted that someday they might have the chance to meet again... =]

[@heijeehei]

As a Korean American adoptee I'm really glad you've shared your story because it helps to shed a little more light into what it means to be adopted. This is only your story but it's an important one to tell. I have yet to put myself out there and find my biological parents (or not) but for right now, it helps me to watch this so thank you! :)

[@lessam.2227]

I hope everything goes well for you..wish you the best ✌

[@stinkytofu89]

I love how Dan is such an optimistic person and so welcoming towards others. Can't wait to hear more about his journey!

[@MelissaAlnardo]

he says "like" a lot but he is cute :) I am happy for him !

[@ISATV]

Thank you Melissa!

[@ks96119]

is it just me or does he look like the combination of lee hyun woo and ryan higa?

[@hugepuffball]

Oh my gosh I wasn't thinking about that at all and suddenly I read your and comment and I was just like... WUT IN THE GOODNESS THAT'S EXACTLY IT

[@anonymousL251]

Oh, gosh. What is this sorcery?

[@zythraa]

OMFG WHAT

[@g0th1cazn]

It's really touching that your birth father decided to let you live your life better than he thought at the time. Never feel that you are doing the wrong thing because you feel that no one else is doing it to. Just remember you are sharing this with us and the world and with this you can remember the sounds and actions from everyone you encounter. There are 1000's of adoptees around the world, I hope this documentary of your story helps others to seek out there birth family.

[@TheMUghLee]

Man, I cant wait for the next episode! I am so excited to see what happens. I think it is actually really nice to see a video like this, it may be really emotional but it reunites a "missing" piece of their life like on a unfinished puzzle(just keep searching and you will soon find it).

[@ISATV]

coming soon!

[@jennimursu]

ISAtv ... how soon? :( aah i can't wait either!

[@DANakaDANtv]

Jenni P Every Thursday! So next one is March 13

[@aly16cakes]

I truly enjoyed watching this story. It was very touching and I cried a few times. Thanks for sharing Dan!

[@aly16cakes]

The music was amazing also!

[@ISATV]

aly16cakes thanks! make sure to check out all his music! link is in text box!

[@MichelleSK6]

Wow thank you for bringing your viewers along during this incredibly emotional time! And I sort of understand your nervousness over it possibly being a scam, etc. My mother left Korea when she was 14 after she met my father. She stayed in contact with her family for a while after, but stopped once they constantly asked for more and more money. It broke her heart to do it, but she doesn't regret it (as her mother was very abusive as well) I'm happy you got this opportunity! Your adopted parents are amazing people as well! They are definitely your true family!

[@UKLeonie]

Please don't make me cry anymore. Great doc people need to see this who are thinking of adopting, as ones heritage is important.

[@TheKatlnelson]

Dan, when you commented about your concern of being respectful of the whole process of this life event, I was so stressed for you. But I wanted to say that I see nothing but respect in the way you have done this. And your honest and open sharing may give others courage to start their own journey to finding puzzle pieces they have needed for so long. Thank you.

[@mrstoscani]

Hope I can finish this series w/ out crying too much. My parents immigrated to US w some of their children. They left me & my sister for 1 yr due to finances. My grandparents eventually paid for us to come here. The family disconnect was pretty strong & it took a while to heal. I have always wondered what would have happened if we had never reconnected w my parents until adulthood. Thanks so much to Dan for sharing this intimate & insightful experience. You are amazing & I truly wish you the best in life.

[@lackadaisicalllama]

I love how authentic this feels! I would've otherwise thought that they edited the DNA test results email to align with the meet-up.

[@susripathy]

omg!!! it was so heartbreaking to see those beautiful babies given up for adoption...but thank you Dan for this beautiful documentary. Giving us viewers the small little insight....

[@whatstwelveohnine]

Really helps anyone watching this come back down to earth and be humbled. Thanks to Dan and everyone a part of the making for Sharing this personal story.

[@MsAsh444]

Thank you so much for documenting your experience. I cried and laughed and remembered my journey back to motherland.. and to birth family. Please don't feel guilty, our stories as korean adoptees has to be told.

[@chrisboylen1807]

I dream of going to Korea....obsessed really... 당신이 한국어를 말합니까?

[@MsAsh444]

I can speak a little of Korean.. but not much, but I do understand what you wrote and I can write back in Korean, but can't type Korean.. Have you ever been to Korea?

[@chrisboylen1807]

No...actually I happened to watch a movie reluctantly and became intrigued then I decided to watch Queen Seodeok...Then I was hooked. I do not write or speak Korean. I use a translator..I do understand a lot now from watching Kdramas and movies.. I also made a room called the Cave for spade players...I notice you play and are frinds with all my friends in spade s..look forward to playing...

[@areagial]

I also think that even your ability to reflect, that you eventually could have been disrespectful towards that process/group, shows that you´re on the right track in life. It also shows that you were raised in the right way. Props to mommy and daddy! I did not have that option

[@KHan-vm2yl]

This was amazing. I think i sort of get what you said about the process being personal and the guilt you mentioned. Your feelings toward the two families and cultures- beautiful piece of work

[@bengalipower12]

Yeah your videos are very heart touching. I am an adoptee from India and I was adopted by Dutch parents and I was brought up in The Netherlands and I know I will never find my biological parents and siblings if i had any. I wish I was as fortunate as you were bro:) Keep up the great videos and i love your Channel

[@missmelon28]

I'm glad that you were sharing this. Pls dont feel guilty abt it

[@MsMEAGAIN1]

I was feeling super tense before he went in to meet his biological family and it's not even me!! This is so amazing and I'm glad he's being vulnerable with us!

[@Azninja889]

This seems so touching, i teared up in the first video >_< and i was looking in the description part of the video and i saw "Crayon Pop" and "Spudgy" as one of the Thank Yous....Kpop and EatYourKimchi Fans? Lol

[@Azninja889]

Oh! And Simon and Martina~ (im not use to seeing their last names~~)

[@ISATV]

Azninja889 they might make a special appearance later....

[@dr.shelbygts]

this inspires me so much I was adopted at 4 weeks old and met my familey at 18 19 and stay in touch with my brother it was the best day of my life message to everyone who's adopted never give up never loose hope :) and remember familey doesn't have to be blood to be familey ♡

[@hyeinxO]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Dan. I know that this journey was the farthest thing from being easy and it's so personal, so vulnerable... but despite your worries, your story is an inspiration to so many. As just onlookers, especially for some of us who haven't had the same life experiences and situations as you, we can never fathom and truly feel what you feel and fully understand your thoughts and emotions. But in hindsight, your story opens peoples' views and gives new insight into such an important topic and community of beautiful people. It allows for people to talk about adoption and adoptees more and I think talking about something more allows it to become a bigger topic; and it opens up new doors for not only adoptees in this world to share about their individual stories and the importance of it, but also for the people around them who love them (parents, siblings, friends, etc) to try to understand and be supportive. Personally, your story has definitely allowed me to see a glimpse through your lens and has shown me how I can advocate for my adoptee friends and how I can be supportive, and that is so so important to me... and I am sure that I am not the only person who sees the importance in it! Your story has really touched me and so many others... and I hope that it will inspire and give courage to others who may also be looking into their birth stories and families. God bless you and your families!

[@DrMOud]

It touched me to the soul when you said that you're feeling guilty about turning the hole process into a carnaval. Well, a part of me would think that may be you're taking advantage of this, but mostly, I'm so grateful that you decided to share your story. This would certainly help other people in the same situation that you're in, and would give the courage to do what you're doing. So, you don't have to be guilty or anything, on the contrary, you should feel proud. And thank you again for making us a part of your journey. Thank you very much, and best of luck to you.

[@sarahzimmerman2023]

if i was able to meet my biological family i would probably also be worried about them wanting something from me or just finding out the reason why i was put into the orphanage. either way i'd be crying and anxious the whole experience and the fact of finding out that you possibly have a twin just makes everything else more emotional.

[@MichaelCloutier261]

I can not even imagine what is going through Dan's mind during 10:25 - 10:50. I bet every emotion known to man.

[@lauradinh7068]

This is so sweet. Makes me so happy for you to meet your blood related family!

[@canadianhab20]

I can't wait for the next episode! It's a Really inspiring and interesting documentary.

[@sherieryan6176]

Everyone does things their own way Dan, if you felt more comfortable with this process and felt it was something you wanted to share, then you did right. I hope you have come to know that and realise that you have helped others in your willingness to be so open. Congratulations and I think your journey was nothing short of brilliant.

[@miaomiao07]

Happy for you that you finally found your biological family. It must has been a lot of emotional stress going on, you are a really brave person to go through all these. Proud of you!

[@tshegomasemola4726]

This documentary was definitely a good idea. You are so brave and fearless. Please don't feel bad about sharing your story. You never know who you have encouraged out there. And whose mind you have changed about adoption. In the African and Asian culture it's a bit taboo to adopt. But this documentary is shedding a good light. Keep up the good work.

[@MrKuran97]

Dan，u dont need to feel guilt. You made the public know that they are people like you..

[@Dijuri]

this is an amazing journey! congrats! I literally just confirmed mine yesterday waiting for DNA test results too! been in contact for first time only for a few months oddly enough through facebook! many Blessings.

[@narellew7828]

As a mum of 2 Korean adoptees I really appreciate you making this video Thankyou Kamsa hamnida.

[@FiishLin]

I can't really imagine how does feels like to be adopted and meeting with birth parents for after many years...but this documentary really shakes up my emotions...I'm touched...

[@debbysahara]

found this epic story by coincidence, and i just want to say miracle does happen. i think that's a brave and hard decission that your biological father had ever done to gave you up for an adoption and i'm sure his heart was broken into pieces when he had to do that. but thankfully you grew up as good person, and i think that's become a remedies for their sorrow through out the years. hop you still in touch with your biological family.

[@SLBxINLOVExBLS]

Such an emotional and touching story. I hope all went well for you and everyone involved; best wishes for a happily ever after (whatever that may be) for all of you. Can't wait for the next episode...

[@Stiasteny]

Does China have some things like this? I mean: I'm also adopted, I was born in China and now I live in Belgium and I actually would like to meet my real parents too.. But China is more closed towards adoption I guess.. But if anyone knows, you should tell me please

[@snowgarden15]

I think it's unlikely as most adopted Chinese were left without notes and most have no way of tracing because of weird laws on adoption that makes it actually illegal to leave children so birth parents could go to prison if they are found out. You're more likely to be able to have contact with foster parents. Here's a link more about Chinese adoptees and contact www.holtinternational.org/adoptees/chinesefaq.shtml

[@hongfuqing1792]

I'm adopted from China too. I wish i could find my parents.

[@Stiasteny]

snowgarden15 Indeed, that's what I was thinking too. When my parents went to China to pick me up, the orphanage told them that they should never come back because they were going to destroy every (official) paper/note about the/my adoption...

[@haruharu_letsgo]

Hi Stiasteny. Before I approached Dan to film this documentary with him, I watched another doc called "Somewhere Between" which follows 5 Chinese-American adoptees. It's what inspired me to approach Dan about filming him going to Korea and it eventually lead to looking for his birth family. You should start researching online, talk to your parents, look up old records for clues and your adoption agency. Even if they destroyed the documents, you'll never know until you give it a shot. I wish you luck.

[@bradcha5413]

Stiasteny 0_0 dam that escalated quickly

[@thr33strawberries]

Can't wait until the next episode. I think you were so brave to do this documentary and share your whole life with everyone. Just know that we support you and that by doing this you are inspiring others around the world. You are awesome Dan! :)

[@therepgrowsbigger411]

Hey Dan this is truly inspiring stuff! Can't imagine what your emotions were when you hoped out of that cab!

[@Onlyacharmander]

I love this documentary so much. Iv never heard of anyone else who feels this way about adoption.

[@NettaWorldPeace1]

I think it is great that you filmed this video because now you are inspiring others who may be in similar situations. Plus this video is unique. I am happy you decided to post this.

[@podoo]

This is so interesting to see a Korean American adoption story cuz I'm Korean American and I've only come across Chinese adoption stories

[@bevyberry]

i am so glad this documentary was made so please don't feel guilty, we really appreciate it

[@hellomeganlee]

LOVE this~So proud of you Dan \^.^/

[@ISATV]

Thank you Megan for watching! means so much! glad you were apart of this

[@lil2558]

Awww...I love this! Can't wait til the next episode!

[@nganluu7043]

Can't wait for next episode...how amazing that he can meet his parents again...

[@joz365]

Woah! This is totally awesome. I can't believe ISA is doing this documentary! I always wanted to hear something like this!

[@ISATV]

thank you so much!

[@pualani]

Had me in tears. Can't wait for the next episode...which will have me in more tears.

[@goodbyebabygoodbye]

i can't wait for the next episode! honestly such an amazing story. so glad he shared it with us. i can't imagine what he felt when he found out he had a twin! so crazy

[@applecinnamon]

This is totally unrelated, I don't know how I got to the video of your story but your it moved me a lot and well... You're awesomely good looking ;)))) good luck on everything Dan!

[@kariswartz2450]

Dan, just found your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am a Korean adoptee and appreciate being able to learn more about the experiences of people who have gone back. Thanks again for sharing your personal journey with us.

[@Kik2353]

I recognize those twin you were talking to. They found each other thru youtube and facebook. You guys are so impressive!!

[@lipsohlips97]

The Korean adoptee camp i think maybe inspired the movie Seoul searching! Really enjoyable movie about teens all around the world coming back to find out who they are, where they come from, and the emotional journey of meeting your biological parents for the first time.

[@Hellourrrrrrr]

Thank you DAN for sharing your life journey, the missing part of your life with people around the world. i dont think he must feeling guilty. because this video might inspired and encourage other people that being adoptee to find their parents too, and for sharing this important step in your life is really amazing, it makes me feel that you make all people that watch this is your family. :)

[@lisknapp]

When is the next episode? Beautiful story and don't think that your turning this into a carnival but more like sharing a wonderful story 😊

[@Aswhatitis]

I am so emotional after watching this...Can't wait for the Ep 3..... Support for Dan !!!

[@marck.1610]

you're so neat and handsome your adoption parents sure took Care and love you

[@hatusharu94]

oh man i can't wait for the next episode! Seriously love this documentary

[@ISATV]

glad you enjoy!

[@PandaMiya501]

I'm also from Eastern Welfare Society. They found my birth mom back in 2011 when I was going there but I never got to meet her. Its crazy how fast these things can happen, I was totally unprepared for it. The emotional stress I went through at that time was unreal, but I'm still hoping to go back to Korea sometime soon.

[@hessahsuliman7611]

it must being hard time for you , but you did well by trying to find them , you are really make me cry and curious for next ,wish you all the best .

[@ISATV]

coming very soon!

[@blueprintsymphonic]

both episodes made me cry! i can't wait to see what happens next.

[@echoi90]

Wow, this is awesome. To be able to share such a personal story is just, wow. Awesome. I can't wait to see the rest!

[@newtringo1757]

Your life story on finding your birth parents is quite moving. Thank you for sharing! That traditional Korean song that you said you "butchered," is among my favorites. There's a great version of it by Steve Jablonsky who did it for a movie called Dragon Wars. The movie was kind of corny but the his version of Arirang does the song justice!

[@MichieMaMichie]

Im really glad that you're sharing your life by videotaping weekdays going on. It helps me to understand more about a person who was adopted and it well it just makes me happy lol :)

[@emilyhawton7997]

I love this documentary because im adopted to and his story just stands out for some reason!

[@pinkwinterprincessEri]

Hi Dan you're so awesome ,this Documentary is getting better and better i always felt sad for korean kids who are in foster homes in Korea, I'm also korean thank so much for showing me more about our culture ^-^

[@eekeey]

This is a very, very intriguing series. I'm really looking forward to the next one.

[@JunnyJai]

This is a very amazing documentary. I hope you've found what's missing inside. Can't wait to see how it unfolds. Keep strong and happy.

[@YukiOnna586]

Please don't feel guilty, because you're doing something that is impossible for some of us other adoptees who don't have any way to connect with their family, and therefore giving us an amazing opportunity to experience something that we've always wanted to, but will probably never get a chance to ^^

[@Lydia-yl2dh]

Really can't wait to see more of this beautiful life adventure.

[@yellowdrxps]

Hi dan, thank you for sharing your experience of meeting your bio family with us. And congratulations in meeting them. Sure hope it went all well. These kinda stories makes me elated to know that hey, there still might be a chance for people and me to get to know our unknown families that we've never meet before but would love to at least get to know. Great job ISAtv

[@debborastone7899]

I spent a year in South Korea and spent many Sundays helping at a Korean Orphanage and we actually raised and donated washers, rice, clothes etc to them. I have difficultity concieving and have always considered adopting from there. I hope one day if i do this kind of thing is still sround so my child will be able to experience this.

[@Iracheyou]

The last part almost made me cry..and then it ends.geeez...im actually planning to adopt... Hope i will have the opportunity to actually do it in the future...

[@AudhildTjugen]

This is such an amazing story... Will look forward to more episodes!

[@ItsEmmaPina]

wow! I can't wait to watch the second episode!!! I'm really happy and proud of Dan :)

[@RealSoccerFreak]

I should have waited to watch this -_- not sure I can wait a whole week for the next episode.

[@heychelso]

is that Sam and Anaïs @11:08? their story is incredible too!

[@PhyllisLiao]

I can't help being emotional while watching this

[@brodie-tzu4753]

Couldn't he tell from the pic that was his brother? 😂👍 Awww so happy for you!

[@thesnowlove1223]

I love watching this doc can't wait to watch the rest of this doc series