The number of intercountry adoptions to the United States increased significantly with the placement of Korean born orphan children after the Korean War. Since the 1950's, it is estimated that there are 104,000 Korean born adoptees in the United States and 141,000 Korean born adoptees worldwide inclusive of the United States. Because of the pioneering efforts of adoption in Korea, many children today are adopted from countries throughout the world.

Also-Known-As, began in early 1996 out of a desire to create an organization that recognized and celebrated the community of people whose lives, through adoption, bridge nations, cultures and races. Recognizing the invaluable resource and experience of adult intercountry adoptees, in May of 1996, a small group of Korean adoptees and friends in the New York metropolitan area, began planning a mentorship program targeted to a new generation of intercountry adoptees.

At the heart of Also-Known-As, is the desire to create a community where individuals would not have to be identified by their ethnicity, race or culture. Since then our mission and programs have expanded, to include not only the experiences of Korean-born intercountry adoptees, and families but, all families created by intercountry adoption and the unique experiences of transcultured people, seeking to share the human experiences of adoption.

May 7, 1996