A Reflection on the Side by Side: Out of a South Korean Orphanage and Into the World Film Screening

A screening of the film, Side by Side: Out of a South Korean Orphanage and Into the World, was hosted by C.A.S.E., the National Council for Adoption, and Catholic Charities on June 8, 2024, at the AFI Theatre in Silver Spring, MD.

This reflection was written by one of the attendees.

Growing up in Korea, I often came across a story of Koreans who were adopted oversees via TV programs or other media outlets. As a social worker who came to the U.S. for graduate studies and ended up staying long-term, I received professional newsletters that sometimes included stories of Koreans who were adopted into American families. However, these stories were generally presented in small pieces or through someone else’s lens. So, when I heard about the Side by Side film screening event, I signed up for it in hopes to hear and learn more about their experiences through their own voices.

As Glenn Morey, the director of the film, shared, their unconventional approach made their story-telling very powerful. With minimal levels of directing, each participant reflected on and shared their unique but common experiences. Through their stories, I could feel the loss, grief and trauma they have been experiencing. At the same time, their resilience, strength and bravery are beyond amazing.

One thing that saddened me the most, though, was that some participants did not feel accepted by Korean community. Korean community is very close-knit, and it can sometime be exclusive. My son, who was born in the U.S., once felt excluded during his visit to Korea as he was not fluent in Korean at that time. So, as I left the event, I felt the desire to be more engaged with families who adopted Koreans. I hope that we can build close-knit, but inclusive communities where we share and celebrate each other as who we are.