We have to be debt free to adopt?!

I wonder if the lady meant that after you paid off all of your debt, you would be in a positive net worth position and they would consider you? I think there is more to your financial picture that needs to be considered than if you have "some debt." I call around to some other agencies. It is hard with Korea though, as you are limited to agencies that work in your state, so you might not have many to pick from.