Ep 12. In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee

In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee is an emotional and thought-provoking episode of POV season 23. The documentary discusses the story of a young Korean girl named Cha Jung Hee, who was given away by her family in South Korea and adopted by an American family in the 1960s.

The episode begins with Jennifer Kwon Dobbs, a Korean-American poet who became curious about her birth name and discovered that it was originally Cha Jung Hee. She sets out on a journey to understand who this person was and what happened to her. Dobbs discovers that Cha Jung Hee was just one of many children who were sent to the United States for adoption during the Korean War, often under false identities.

The documentary delves into the complicated and controversial world of international adoptions, particularly those that occurred during the 1960s and 70s. It discusses the political and social context of these adoptions, which were often facilitated by the Korean government and supported by the American military.

The episode features interviews with Cha Jung Hee's adoptive family, as well as with other adoptees who were also given false identities. It explores the emotional and psychological impact of growing up without a true understanding of one's own identity and history. Cha Jung Hee's adoptive siblings discuss their own experiences in the family and their feelings about the situation, which was kept a secret from them for many years.

The episode also looks at the legal and ethical questions surrounding these adoptions. It raises important issues about cultural and racial identity, as well as the concept of "child trafficking" that can occur when children are taken from one country and placed in another without proper safeguards.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a personal journey with Dobbs as she searches for answers about Cha Jung Hee and discovers what it means to be "lost" and "found". The documentary is a moving reflection on the power and importance of family, identity, and cultural heritage.

In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee is a compelling and insightful documentary that sheds light on a little-known aspect of American history and international adoptions. It challenges viewers to confront difficult questions about identity and ownership, and forces us to think deeply about what it means to belong to a family and a culture. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in issues surrounding international adoptions, cultural identity, and human rights.