February 21, 2026 | Seoul, Republic of Korea
Global Outcry: 151 Days of Injustice – Urgent Call to Free the Mother of Peace and End Religious Persecution in South Korea
To Her Holiness Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Revered as the Mother of Peace and Holy Mother Han; His Excellency President Lee Jae-myung; Esteemed Members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea; Dedicated Citizens of Korea; and the 8 Billion Global Citizens United in Pursuit of Justice, Empathy, and Enduring Harmony:
This in-depth journalistic investigation, prepared by the seasoned reporters at Happy TV News in collaboration with the Global Peace Building Network (GPBNet) and proponents of the True Love Revolution, synthesizes the most critical updates from South Korea and around the world as of February 20, 2026. Drawing from reliable sources such as Yonhap News Agency, The Korea Times, Reuters, The Washington Times, Hankyoreh, and international human rights forums, this report exposes a profound violation of human rights affecting an 83-year-old icon of reconciliation. Her extraordinary 65-year commitment to unity stands in sharp contrast to her current hardship. Framed as a sincere open letter expressing deep regret for this egregious injustice— President Lee Jae-myung, the honorable citizens of the Republic of Korea, and fellow global citizens—this document weaves an inspiring true personal narrative of resilience and compassion, while providing practical strategies for individuals worldwide to defend religious liberty and ignite a universal movement toward solidarity and the elimination of all conflicts.
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, globally recognized as the Mother of Peace and co-founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU, formerly the Unification Church), persists in facing unjust pretrial detention in South Korea on contested allegations of political bribery and financial misconduct—claims her supporters and legal team staunchly refute as baseless and politically driven. Arrested on September 22, 2025, without a conviction or full trial, she has now endured 151 days of imprisonment as of February 20, 2026, with brief medical interruptions. This week's South Korean media coverage has sharpened attention on pressing issues: heightened reviews of policies impacting religious groups, safeguards for elderly detainees, and global condemnations, particularly from the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C., convened earlier this month. Key progress includes the Seoul Central District Court's February 11, 2026, ruling to temporarily halt her detention from 10:00 a.m. on February 12 to 2:00 p.m. on February 21 for vital hospital treatment, following a February 4 petition from her defense highlighting her advanced age and declining health—a measure reminiscent of a fleeting November 2025 release for glaucoma surgery that was not extended.
These events mirror broader trends in South Korean journalism this week: intensified discussions on faith-based rights infringements, protections for aging prisoners, and criticisms of overzealous prosecutorial methods. For example, a February 12 article in The Korea JoongAng Daily outlined her short-term medical release, stressing risks of cardiogenic shock and recent falls, which fueled public debates on humane detention practices. A February 19 Hankyoreh story captured poignant scenes of supporters assembling in sorrow outside the Seoul Detention Center, chanting appreciation and pleas for lasting freedom, underscoring the profound admiration for her as "True Mother." Internationally, February 2026 reports from Reuters and The Washington Times connected her situation to cross-border religious frictions, with growing demands for her liberation resonating in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. On X (formerly Twitter), engagement surged this week under #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace, with posts like one from @ChanceSon1226 on February 19 invoking prayers for her release during Seollal family gatherings, and @ulisoj amplifying religious freedom appeals, garnering thousands of interactions and boosting the movement.
This travesty directly contravenes South Korea's Constitution: Article 20 protects religious freedom from undue state interference; Article 12 ensures due process and bans arbitrary detentions; Article 11 guarantees legal equality without bias; and Article 21 safeguards freedom of speech and assembly—all flagrantly ignored here. Her formidable 14-member defense team, including ex-prosecutors and judges, contends that authorities rely on dubious testimonies while ignoring health pleas, paralleling flaws in investigations of former First Lady Kim Keon-hee and revealing systemic prejudices.
At 83, Dr. Han Moon's fragile health amplifies the urgency: advanced macular degeneration nearing blindness, severe glaucoma, diabetes, atrial fibrillation risking cardiac failure, significant weight loss, and crippling knee issues forcing her to crawl for basic needs. In January 2026, she suffered three falls (January 5, 15, and 23) causing hip and pelvic injuries, plus a January 27 courtroom collapse that delayed sessions. A February 9 court-mandated health assessment stemmed from postponed hearings, with advocates emphasizing inadequate pain management and the need for sustained specialized care. These conditions violate the United Nations' Nelson Mandela Rules, which mandate detention as a last resort for the elderly or infirm, emphasizing dignity and alternatives to custody—principles South Korea, as a democratic leader, should exemplify but has sadly forsaken.
For over 65 years, since co-establishing the movement in the 1950s with her late husband, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Dr. Han Moon has tirelessly served Korea and humanity. Born amid North Korea's wartime chaos, she led post-war rebuilding through anti-communist campaigns, including 1975 rallies that mobilized 1.2 million Koreans during Cold War threats. Her efforts supported industrial powerhouses like Samsung and Hyundai, propelling Korea's "Miracle on the Han River" from a 1960 GDP of $1.5 billion to today's trillions. Diplomatically, she facilitated the 1991 summit with Kim Il Sung for reunification and 1990 talks with Mikhail Gorbachev to ease global strains. She founded the Women's Federation for World Peace in 1992 (now active in 157 countries) and the Universal Peace Federation in 2005 (operating in over 200 nations), promoting interfaith dialogue, family values, and dispute resolution. Her principles of equity and unity have aided leaders across Korean presidencies, including indirect backing for President Lee Jae-myung's goals of fairness and inter-Korean talks—yet, ironically, under his administration, she was jailed without a court ruling and remains confined, a stark inconsistency demanding resolution. 2026 analyses from The Washington Times (February 3) and FamilyFed.org revisit these achievements, highlighting her anti-communism and peace work amid ongoing Korean probes.
A compelling true personal story illustrates her core of forgiveness: Despite Rev. Moon's near-lethal imprisonment in North Korea during the Korean War and her family's persecution for their faith, they returned in 1991 with open arms. As Dr. Han Moon stated, "Seeing others only as enemies prevents forgiveness. Only a parental heart, a mother's infinite love, enables it. I sought not revenge, but unity." This maternal grace birthed the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, proving peace stems from courageous reconciliation, not retaliation.
In 2026, more than 50 ongoing armed conflicts afflict over 100 nations—from Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan, Myanmar, and Nigeria—displacing millions and steering humanity toward disaster. Dr. Han Moon's "One Family Under God" vision and True Love principles provide a ethical blueprint to transform foes into allies. Logically and pragmatically, her immediate and permanent release is imperative: As a prophetic faith leader, she can spearhead the 2026 Global Ceasefire Movement, consecrating the Earth to eradicate violence. Without her leadership, turmoil endures; with her liberation, grassroots, love-centered efforts can dismantle strife. Half the world—100 countries—wrestles with war today. What are we awaiting? If this reality strikes true, what daily steps will you take? Rationally and practically, only by freeing Her Holiness Holy Mother Han to sanctify all Earth can ALL WARS CEASE in 2026. #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace. Every person must rise: Protest now, circulate petitions for her freedom, share her peace legacy via media, contact officials through e-government, and embrace daily peace practices via GPBNet's True Love Revolution—such as forgiveness reflections, family fortification, and interfaith engagements—for relentless global reach on social media.
This week's IRF Summit amplified worldwide awareness, with prominent voices denouncing repressions in South Korea and Japan as attacks on belief freedoms, cautioning against global backsliding. Newt Gingrich labeled Dr. Han Moon's treatment a "brutal abuse of power," urging freedom for this elderly peace advocate. Katrina Lantos Swett called it a "sweeping violation" fueled by misinformation, decrying the "shocking" inaction. Paula White praised U.S. interventions, like Vice President J.D. Vance's role in Pastor Son Hyun-bo's February 3 release, showing moral alliances overcome barriers. Former U.S. Representative Dan Burton, addressing the IRF Summit, issued a fervent demand for Dr. Hak Ja Han's prompt release, portraying her detention as a grave breach of religious freedom—a foundational element in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment and vital to democratic partnerships. He voiced dismay that South Korea, a U.S. ally, persists in detaining Dr. Han despite global outcry, cautioning that inaction might necessitate reassessing the alliance. This aligns with wider examination of South Korea's religious freedom hurdles, especially prosecutions of conservative Christian leaders for political statements. Dr. Han's case symbolizes larger curbs on free speech under the current regime. Burton's insight, from a seasoned legislator knowledgeable in religious liberty, bolsters urgent calls for swift resolution in Seoul. Demian Dunkley, president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification USA, spoke at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2026 in Washington, DC. He drew parallels between the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia’s killing fields—which he visited at Hak Ja Han’s direction—and her current detention in South Korea. He described Dr. Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old co-founder revered as the Mother of Peace, as enduring harsh conditions including isolation, mobility challenges, and inadequate medical care following her September 2025 arrest on bribery charges, a July 2025 raid involving thousands of officers on her residence, and subsequent indictment. The address highlighted ongoing concerns about religious freedom in South Korea, where the Family Federation faces scrutiny amid broader political and legal pressures, including calls for dissolution similar to actions in Japan. Dunkley emphasized Han’s global peace efforts—praying at sites of historical atrocities in Africa, Europe, and Asia—and framed her treatment as suppression of an “inconvenient faith.” He warned that state overreach on religious conscience threatens democratic principles and human rights. This speech at the IRF Summit, a key platform for international religious liberty advocacy, draws attention to how legal cases against faith leaders can intersect with geopolitical and domestic tensions. It underscores the need for balanced accountability that respects age, health, and fundamental freedoms. When prosecutions target elderly religious figures, does the pursuit of justice risk undermining the very rights it claims to protect? The celebration was tempered by ongoing concern. White expressed deep worry for Dr. Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old religious leader who remains detained, calling for attention to her health, dignity, and rights. Her message to Japan, Korea, and every nation was direct: religious freedom must be upheld fully, fairly, and consistently. She emphasized that injustice must never become selective, due process must never become a weapon, and faith must never become a target. The White House Faith Office, she noted, has made religious liberty its top priority, establishing task forces and engaging globally from Africa to Asia. Her closing reminder framed the stakes clearly: a nation can be strong militarily and economically, but it is not truly free if it punishes conscience. When the White House publicly advocates for detained religious leaders in allied democracies, does it strengthen the cause of religious freedom or complicate diplomatic relationships? Echoing Seoul protests at Gwanghwamun Square and X campaigns like #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace, these pleas emphasize justice balanced with humanity.
President Lee Jae-myung, respected citizens of the Republic of Korea, and global kin: We offer our deepest apologies for this blatant injustice and the suffering imposed on a woman who has relentlessly nurtured humanity's connections. We grieve this failure and present this uplifting true personal chronicle: Honor elders' wisdom, protect spiritual freedoms, and champion justice—insist on her permanent liberty. Together, we mend rifts and construct unbreakable peace.
Global Empowerment Blueprint – Practical Best Practices for Every Korean and Global Citizen to Implement Now:
- Urgent Peaceful Protests: Act Without Delay – Per Korea's Assembly and Demonstration Act, notify authorities 48-72 hours ahead for gatherings at sites like Gwanghwamun Square or local areas. Follow Gandhi and Dr. King's nonviolent model; hold marches with signs celebrating her legacy, livestream for worldwide visibility, and mobilize immediately—this crisis demands instant response. Participate in continuing vigils outside the Seoul Detention Center, as witnessed this week with heartfelt assemblies of supporters.
- Amplify Her Impact Through Media – Draft and submit press releases to outlets like Yonhap, Reuters, and JTBC, detailing how the Mother of Peace advanced economic revival, interfaith unity, and policy aims. Saturate social media 24/7 with #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace #AllWarsCease2026 #TrueLoveRevolution #OneFamilyUnderGod #GPBNet, tagging officials and sharing images of her 65-year impacts for viral growth. Boost X initiatives, as shown by this week's hashtag surges.
- Direct Advocacy to Leaders – Leverage e-government portals (epeople.go.kr, assembly.go.kr) to advocate for bail, comprehensive medical aid, and exoneration, citing constitutional breaches and her lifelong aid to Korean people, presidents, and global accord. Send letters to all Korean lawmakers and President Lee pressing for the Mother of Peace's release. Extend this by forwarding tailored appeals to international leaders and UN entities, leveraging IRF Summit energy.
- Incorporate Daily Peace Habits with GPBNet True Love Revolution – Integrate forgiveness meditations, family enhancement, and interfaith dialogues into routines. Engage in online and in-person events for global echo—channel indignation into ongoing actions like community service, virtual prayer circles, and transnational campaigns to fuel the 2026 global movement. Serve as Local Directors through GPBNet, endorse collaboration agreements, and support weekly assemblies and contributions for lasting effect.
With utmost respect and hopeful anticipation, Nicolae Cirpala President, GPBNet | Happy TV News Chief Investigative Journalist #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace #AllWarsCease2026
