In July 2019, Grace Song Featured on Arirang TV on Korean Adoption Culture

Why Did You Start ASIA Families?

During the ASIA Families 10th Anniversary Gala in October 2019, Grace explained why she started a non-profit to support Korean adoptees and their families.

“After completing my master’s degree in social work at Washington University in St. Louis, I accepted a full-time position in post-adoption service work for an adoption agency in Maryland. I was immediately attracted to the joy of working with adopted children and teens and, as a result, I spent almost eight years in that position. I organized and managed a weekly Korean culture school, birthland tours to Korea, and summer camps for international adoptees.”

“When I had my first child, I left that position to concentrate on being a mother. I remained interested in Korea adoptees but did not feel called to return to service work. Then, one day, I was reading a Korean newspaper article about the murder of a Korean adoptee in Baltimore. I could not believe my eyes. I knew him. He was the beloved son of my friends and a brother to my dear adoptee friend. At the age of 21, he had just graduated from college and had a bright future ahead of him, but then he lost his life to a senseless crime. My heart was deeply troubled. He was a flower bud that never had a chance to bloom.”

“At that moment, I knew that I was called to do something to reach and support Korean adoptees. This burning desire led to the creation of ASIA Families.”

“Now, ten years later, my greatest joy is seeing the little children who were in my program become healthy and happy young adults. I am also so thrilled to see so many of our young adults return, give back to this community in which they have grown, and serve as volunteers and leaders in ASIA Families.”

Grace’s Professional Experience with Korean Adoption

During her tenure as a post-adoption social worker in the Washington metro area, Grace was responsible for:

• Organizing numerous birthland tours to Korea

• Directing cultural events such as culture schools and culture camps for international adoptees

• Counseling teens and adult adoptees who are interested in birth family searches

• Serving as a facilitator and interpreter for reunion meetings between Korean adoptees and birth families

Awards

Grace is a recipient of many awards for her service to Korean adoptees and their families, including a Presidential Volunteer Award, a Presidential Commendation Award by the President of the Republic of South Korea, and an Excellency Award by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of South Korea.