Single Moms' Day

Challenging the narrative, advocating for family preservation, and supporting unwed mothers in Korea.

About Single Moms' Day

Single Moms' Day was started by TRACK (Truth and Reconciliation for the Adoption Community of Korea) in 2011 to challenge the government's official Adoption Day. Inspired by Native American Day in the U.S.—which challenges the dominant Thanksgiving narrative—this initiative shifts focus toward family preservation and the rights of single mothers.

Since its inception, support across Korean society has grown, allowing annual events and conferences to address systemic obstacles and empower single-parent families.

Core Objectives

Reduce discrimination against unwed mothers and their families.
Push for critical legislative changes and policy reforms.
Invite scholars and experts to research issues surrounding single parenthood.
Raise awareness about the factors that pressure unwed mothers to abandon or relinquish their children for adoption.

Push Factors

Pressures to Relinquish

Father's child support obligations remaining largely unenforced.
Lack of adequate social welfare and financial support from the Korean government.
Pervasive social discrimination and stigma against unwed mothers and their children.

Pull Factors

Institutional Barriers

Over half of unwed mothers' shelters being owned and operated by adoption agencies.
A money-driven international adoption system that does not conform to the UN CRC or the Hague Convention.