Where are you from? In general, this would be a simple question to answer, but to a specific population in Denmark it can be confusing and at times alienating.

Starting around the mid-1960’s, the Danish government began the adoption process of orphans from Korea initially as a result from the Korean War. Culturally and socially, these infants grew up 100% Danish, however, their appearance goes against the grain of the homogenous population of Denmark.

In the United States, it is possible for Korean-Americans supported by biological parents or communities to maintain their ethnic culture while at the same time identify as being American. However, the Korean-Danes who are adopted only have their Danish culture and identify.

If this identity is stripped from them via racism, xenophobia, or ignorance, then what is left for these Danes to identify with? Do they feel like outsiders in their own country? How do they navigate within their own society and culture that may treat them as less Danish?

In this series, “The Danes” attempt to open up these discussions of nationalism and cultural identity through the stories of these Korean adoptees.