Court rejects adoption of young Chinese table tennis player

Court rejects adoption of young Chinese table tennis player. August. 15, 2016 07:16. by 권오혁기자 hyuk@donga.com.

Seoul Family Court has dismissed the application by a Korean couple to adopt a young table tennis player from China and raise her as a Korean player.

Judge Kim Hyeong-ryeol of Seoul Family Court rejected the application by a Korean couple (Kim) to adopt a minor table tennis player from China, the court said on Sunday.

“The couple argued that the adoption can be justified, considering the child’s good table tennis skills and her will to obtain Korean nationality," the judge said. "However, the motive to join international events and obtain Korean nationality is unacceptable. She has no necessity to be adopted, giving up her Chinese nationality and social relationships."

The court has reviewed four applications for the adoption of young Chinese table tennis players this year. After the first court decision, two of the couples withdrew their applications. One of the applicants is a former table tennis player and Olympic gold medalist.