How did South Korea’s failure to regulate adoption fees turn adoptions profitable?

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South Korea's Adoption System Became Profit-Driven Due to Unregulated Fees

South Korea's adoption system transformed into a profit-driven industry primarily because the government failed to implement regulations on adoption fees. This lack of oversight allowed international adoption agencies to generate substantial income, with reports indicating they made millions of dollars during the 1970s and 1980s. The absence of a regulated fee structure meant that agencies could operate with minimal financial accountability, effectively turning the placement of children into a lucrative business.
Lack of Fee Regulation Fueled Profitability

The failure to regulate adoption fees created an environment where agencies could maximize their earnings. Without government oversight dictating fee limits or structures, these organizations were able to charge substantial amounts for their services. This lack of regulation is cited as a key reason why the adoption industry became profit-oriented, as opposed to being primarily child-welfare focused.
Agencies Generated Millions in Fees

During the peak years of international adoption, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, international adoption agencies saw significant financial gains. The system's lack of regulation allowed these agencies to accumulate millions of dollars. This profitability was a direct consequence of the unregulated fee environment that enabled them to operate as commercial enterprises.
Government Blamed for Unregulated Practices

An official inquiry concluded that the government bore responsibility for the issues within the international adoption process, specifically highlighting the failure to regulate adoption fees. This oversight effectively allowed the industry to become profit-driven. The truth commission's findings pointed to this governmental lapse as a critical factor in the irregularities and the commercialization of adoptions.

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How did South Korea’s failure to regulate adoption fees turn adoptions profitable?

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