Korean Adoptee Seeks Forensic Access to Disputed 1983 Power of Attorney Document

A South Korean adoptee currently involved in a pending civil appeal against an adoption agency has formally requested that the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC) allow forensic examination of a 1983 power of attorney. The document, which serves as a central piece of evidence in the ongoing litigation, was transferred to the NCRC in September 2025. Despite the significance of the paperwork, no independent forensic analysis has been conducted or submitted to the court to verify its authenticity, prompting the plaintiff to demand direct physical access for a court-appointed expert.

The NCRC has acknowledged receiving a formal inquiry from the court regarding the document, confirming that a written response is pending before the next scheduled hearing. However, previous attempts by the adoptee to obtain high-resolution imagery of a fingerprint on the document were denied by the agency, citing specific provisions under the Special Act on Domestic Adoption and the Official Information Disclosure Act. This refusal to provide clear, examinable evidence has hindered the claimant’s ability to verify the document's integrity within the legal process.

The request specifically seeks to allow a lab-certified examiner to photograph or inspect the original paper record. While the adoptee clarifies that this is not a definitive claim of forgery, the move highlights a critical need for transparency and technical verification in adoption-related documentation. By seeking forensic access, the plaintiff aims to ensure that the court’s decision is based on verified, authentic evidence rather than potentially compromised or unauthenticated digital copies that are currently deemed unsuitable for professional examination.