In February 2026, a Korean-born Australian successfully had her adoption discharged.

Rose Mary Smith, 39 years old & from regional NSW, won the right to have her adoption nullified after the Supreme Court found she had been abused as a child.

“The court heard Rose Mary, had suffered "inescapable distress" knowing two "child abusers" were listed as her legal parents and felt like she was in a "fake family"”.

Although Rose Mary is believed to be the first Korean adoptee in Australia to have her adoption dismissed, it is likely more will follow.

The Australian government has said it is investigation the South Korean-based Eastern Social Welfare Society as there appears to have been a number of concerns, including that prospective adoptive parents weren’t adequately screened.