February 22, 2026 | Seoul, Republic of Korea
An Open Letter of Profound Apology and Urgent Call for Justice: Freeing the Mother of Peace to Sanctify the Earth and Cease All Wars
To Her Holiness Dr. Hak Ja Han, Revered as the Mother of Peace and Holy Mother Han; His Excellency President Lee Jae-myung; Honorable Members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea; Cherished Citizens of the Republic of Korea; and the 8 Billion Fellow Global Citizens Committed to Compassion, Unity, and Lasting Harmony:
President Lee Jae-myung, the honorable citizens of the Republic of Korea, and fellow global citizens, we extend our deepest and most sincere apologies for the profound injustice inflicted upon you, Dr. Hak Ja Han – an 83-year-old beacon of reconciliation and maternal grace. This open letter, crafted as a comprehensive journalistic investigation by the dedicated team at Happy TV News in partnership with the Global Peace Building Network (GPBNet) and champions of the True Love Revolution, draws from the latest developments in South Korea and across the globe as of February 22, 2026. Sourced from credible outlets including Yonhap News Agency, The Korea Herald, Reuters, The Washington Post, Chosun Ilbo, and international human rights reports, this document uncovers a grave human rights violation against a lifelong advocate for unity. It weaves her inspiring true personal narrative of unwavering forgiveness and empowerment, while outlining practical, actionable steps for individuals everywhere to champion religious freedom, dismantle division, and propel a worldwide movement toward the cessation of all conflicts.
Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and universally acclaimed as the Mother of Peace, continues to endure an unjust pretrial detention in South Korea on disputed charges of political bribery and financial impropriety – allegations vehemently denied by her advocates and legal counsel as fabricated and politically orchestrated. Arrested on September 22, 2025, without a conviction or comprehensive trial, she has now suffered 154 days in custody as of February 22, 2026, interrupted only by brief medical reprieves. This week's news cycle in South Korea has intensified scrutiny on religious freedoms, elderly detainee protections, and prosecutorial overreach, amplified by the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C., held earlier in February. Notable advancements include the Seoul Central District Court's decision on February 11, 2026, to suspend her detention temporarily from 10:00 a.m. on February 12 to 2:00 p.m. on February 21 for essential hospital care, following a February 4 petition from her defense team emphasizing her age and worsening health – echoing a short-lived November 2025 release for glaucoma surgery that was not prolonged.
These developments reflect broader journalistic trends this week: escalating dialogues on infringements against faith communities, safeguards for vulnerable prisoners, and international rebukes, particularly from the IRF Summit. For instance, a February 17 article in The Korea JoongAng Daily detailed her medical suspension, underscoring risks of cardiogenic shock and recent falls that ignited public discourse on compassionate incarceration. A February 20 report in Hankyoreh depicted emotional vigils by supporters outside the Seoul Detention Center, chanting gratitude and demands for permanent liberation, illustrating the deep reverence for her as "True Mother." Globally, February 2026 coverage from Reuters and The Washington Post tied her plight to transnational religious tensions, with escalating appeals for her release echoing in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond. On X (formerly Twitter), momentum built under #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace, with posts such as one from @DemianDunkley on February 19 urging extension of her medical stay amid health fears, and @monarchreport25 on February 21 highlighting her imminent return to detention, amassing thousands of engagements and fueling the campaign.
This ordeal flagrantly breaches South Korea's Constitution: Article 20 shields religious freedom from state overreach; Article 12 mandates due process and prohibits arbitrary arrests; Article 11 ensures equality under the law; and Article 21 protects expression and assembly – all blatantly disregarded. Her robust 14-member legal team, comprising former prosecutors and judges, argues that officials lean on unreliable testimonies while dismissing health appeals, mirroring inconsistencies in probes of former First Lady Kim Keon-hee and exposing entrenched biases.
At 83, Dr. Han's vulnerable health heightens the crisis: progressive macular degeneration verging on blindness, acute glaucoma, diabetes, atrial fibrillation posing cardiac risks, substantial weight loss, and debilitating knee problems compelling her to crawl for essentials. In January 2026, she endured three documented falls (January 5, 15, and 23) resulting in hip and pelvic trauma, plus a January 27 courtroom faint that halted proceedings. A February 9 court-ordered evaluation arose from delayed hearings, with supporters stressing insufficient pain relief and the necessity for ongoing specialized treatment. These circumstances violate the United Nations' Nelson Mandela Rules, which stipulate detention as an absolute last resort for the elderly or ill, prioritizing dignity and non-custodial options – standards South Korea, as a democratic exemplar, ought to uphold but has regrettably abandoned.
Dr. Hak Ja Han is set to return to the detention center today at 2 p.m. KST, following a temporary suspension of her detention for medical treatment. This suspension, granted on February 11 and effective from February 12, is not bail but a limited release restricted to hospital premises, allowing contact only with medical staff and lawyers. As of now, her legal team is awaiting a decision on whether this suspension will be extended, amid ongoing concerns about her deteriorating health. Since her arrest on September 22, 2025, on charges of bribery (which she denies), Dr. Han has experienced at least three falls while in custody at the Seoul Detention Center: January 5, 2026; January 15, 2026; January 23, 2026. According to CDC data, falls are the leading cause of injury (both fatal and nonfatal) among adults aged 65 and older. The South Korean Constitution (Article 10) guarantees human dignity and the right to pursue happiness, which courts interpret to include the right to health and humane treatment. Deliberately ignoring medical evidence (e.g., reports of falls and conditions) when ordering detention, leading to injury or death, could be seen as gross negligence under the Judges Act (Article 45) or Criminal Code (Article 122, abuse of official authority).
What will be decided by South Korea as the world is shouting to President Lee to release the innocent Mother of Peace?
A former political prisoner compares his treatment under communist Czechoslovakia with the current detention of Dr. Hak Ja Han in South Korea. Peter Zoehrer, February 21, 2026. Dr. Hak Ja Han (now 83) – Close-up view of her in the wheelchair, head bowed, being pushed by an aide through a crowded area (September 2025 court appearance). Captures the emotional and physical strain. (Source: The New York Times). Reflections by PhDr. Juraj Lajda (Doctor of Philosophy), lecturer and publisher, former political prisoner under the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. A Heartbreaking Return to the Cell. Prague, February 21, 2026 – Just hours ago, the news arrived: Dr. Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has been returned to her detention cell at the Seoul Detention Center. After a mere ten-day temporary suspension of detention granted for urgent medical treatment in a hospital, the Seoul Central District Court denied her legal team’s request for an extension. She now resumes confinement despite documented severe health concerns – failing eyesight exacerbated by glaucoma, significant mobility limitations following knee surgery, and serious heart disease (arrhythmia) that necessitated major surgery only five months ago. Reports indicate recent falls in custody have further compromised her fragile condition. I am profoundly shocked and dismayed by the treatment this elderly religious leader endures at the hands of South Korea’s current regime. To me – and I believe to many others of conscience – it is glaringly obvious that her health could not have stabilized so miraculously in such a short time that her life is no longer at grave risk. The brief reprieve, from February 12 to February 21, was a humanitarian gesture acknowledging urgent medical needs, yet its abrupt end raises troubling questions about priorities in what is supposed to be a democratic justice system. Echoes of My Own Imprisonment. Having myself been long-term detained under a communist regime in Eastern Europe, I can testify from direct experience that even in those oppressive times, prisoners – political ones included – received more humane consideration for serious health issues than Dr. Han faces today in a nation classified as fully democratic since 1987. “Even under communism, I received more humane medical consideration than Dr. Han does today in democratic South Korea.” Her ordeal vividly brings back my own suffering as a political prisoner in Czechoslovakia during the early 1970s. By a striking coincidence – for the “crime” of following the teachings of South Korean Rev. Sun Myung Moon – I was sentenced, together with 17 other young people (mostly university students), to three years and two months imprisonment for alleged subversion of the republic. The authorities subjected us to nearly ten months of intense pretrial investigation before the trial even commenced. Official prison registration photo of Dr. Juraj Lajda, taken in Bratislava in 1973 after his arrest under the communist regime. Throughout that period, I was confined in a remand prison in Bratislava. Daily interrogations continued relentlessly until the case files were sealed and the prosecutor prepared the indictment. My cell measured a mere 2x3 meters, often overcrowded with two or three fellow inmates, creating an environment of constant psychological and physical strain. Approximately six months into my detention, my lifelong atopic eczema erupted with unprecedented severity. The prison conditions – poor hygiene, stress, inadequate nutrition – triggered a dramatic worsening: my hands became entirely covered in inflamed, weeping eczema, severely aggravating my overall health and causing immense pain. The Doctor Who Chose Humanity Over Ideology. I promptly reported my deteriorating state to the prison doctor. Limited by the rudimentary medical facilities available in detention, he recognized the urgency and arranged for my transfer to a specialized prison facility in Brno for proper treatment. I remained under custody there for 40 days, until the condition stabilized and the disease was effectively cured. Even in Brno, I was still a prisoner: my freedom, movement, and contact with the outside world remained heavily restricted. Yet the cell was notably more humane – larger, with a proper bed – and the daily routine was adapted to facilitate healing. Each day, I was escorted to the infirmary for dedicated treatment. The doctors there exerted genuine effort to restore my health, approaching me not as a political enemy but as a patient in need. The key decision – to hospitalize me and determine the duration – rested with the attending physician. He could not foresee how long recovery would take; his sole concern was effective treatment. Bound by the Hippocratic Oath he had taken upon graduating from medical school, he vowed to preserve human life at all costs. Politically neutral, he upheld a fundamental principle of humanity: even an accused individual is, above all, a human being deserving of care. This held true even within the confines of a communist prison. I come from a family steeped in medicine – my father was a well-known surgeon – so I have long understood the profound ethical responsibilities physicians bear. In my case, any necessary approvals from judges or investigators were forthcoming because the medical imperative was clear and undeniable. The purpose of detention persisted, but it was tempered by the recognition that we were dealing with a living person requiring immediate, life-preserving intervention. A Shocking Reversal: Communist Mercy vs. “Democratic” Cruelty. Returning to the present: all of this unfolded in communist Czechoslovakia in 1974. Even under that repressive system, political prisoners like me benefited from a more compassionate approach to serious illness than Dr. Hak Ja Han experiences today under South Korea’s administration led by President Lee. I am shocked and appalled by this stark contrast. Who Holds Power over a Human Life? Who now holds ultimate authority over Dr. Han’s health – the prosecutor, the judge, the investigator, or the attending physician who best knows her condition? “Prosecutors and judges are not physicians. They are not trained to override life-saving medical judgment.” If medical professionals recommend extended hospital care and judicial permission is required, what possible justification exists for denial? Prosecutors and judges are not trained physicians qualified to override expert assessments on the duration of necessary treatment. Is rigid adherence to legal formalities truly more sacred than the preservation of human life? What kind of justice system allows such decisions? Do these officials truly belong in positions of dispensing justice? “Ten days of mercy cannot erase five months of deterioration.” Why have South Korean doctors not raised their voices in protest? They, more than anyone, comprehend the gravity of her critical state – heart risks, recent falls, progressive deterioration in custody. Is the Hippocratic Oath, with its timeless command to “do no harm” and prioritize life, no longer binding in South Korea? The Unbearable Truth: Slow Destruction Disguised as Justice. Without genuine medical priority prevailing, this prolonged detention – now spanning over five months, with only brief, conditional interruptions – amounts to nothing less than the targeted destruction of an elderly human being, or, in plain terms, a form of slow murder. “I ask as one who suffered under communism: what direction is South Korea taking?” My unequivocal conclusion, drawn from bitter personal experience, is that even under the communist regime I endured, political prisoners received better treatment in matters of health and humanity than prevails in present-day South Korea. This reality forces a disturbing question: is South Korea, once a beacon of democracy in Asia, now sliding perilously toward authoritarianism reminiscent of the communist systems it once opposed?
For more than 65 years, since co-founding the movement in the 1950s alongside her late husband, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Dr. Han has devoted herself indefatigably to Korea and the world. Born during North Korea's wartime turmoil, she spearheaded postwar reconstruction via anti-communist initiatives, such as the 1975 rallies that rallied 1.2 million Koreans amid Cold War perils. Her endeavors bolstered industrial giants like Samsung and Hyundai, catalyzing Korea's "Miracle on the Han River" from a 1960 GDP of $1.5 billion to today's economic powerhouse. In diplomacy, she orchestrated the 1991 summit with Kim Il Sung for reunification and the 1990 dialogue with Mikhail Gorbachev to alleviate international frictions. She established the Women's Federation for World Peace in 1992 (now spanning 157 countries) and the Universal Peace Federation in 2005 (active in over 200 nations), fostering interfaith harmony, family ethics, and conflict mediation. Her ethos of fairness and solidarity has assisted leaders throughout Korean presidencies, including indirect endorsements for President Lee Jae-myung's visions of equity and inter-Korean reconciliation – yet, paradoxically, under his leadership, she was incarcerated without a court verdict and remains confined, a glaring contradiction that cries out for redress. 2026 reports from The Washington Post (February 3) and familyfedihq.org revisit these feats, underscoring her anti-communism and peace advocacy amid persistent Korean investigations.
A powerful true personal story exemplifies her essence of empowerment and forgiveness: Despite Rev. Moon's near-fatal imprisonment in North Korea during the Korean War and her family's faith-based persecution, they revisited in 1991 with open hearts. As Dr. Han articulated, "Viewing others solely as adversaries blocks forgiveness. Only a parental heart, a mother's boundless love, enables it. I pursued not vengeance, but oneness." This maternal wisdom birthed the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, demonstrating that peace arises from bold reconciliation, not reprisal – a lesson for today's divided world.
In 2026, over 50 active armed conflicts ravage more than 100 countries – from Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan, Myanmar, and Nigeria – displacing millions and hurtling humanity toward catastrophe. Half the world – 100 countries – grapples with war right now. What are you waiting for? If this truth resonates, what will you do daily? Dr. Han's "One Family Under God" philosophy and True Love principles offer a moral framework to convert adversaries into kin. Logically and practically, her immediate and unconditional release is essential: As a visionary faith guide, she can lead the 2026 Global Ceasefire Movement, consecrating the Earth to abolish violence. Without her guidance, discord persists; with her freedom, grassroots, love-infused initiatives can eradicate strife. Only by releasing Her Holiness Holy Mother Han to holify all Earth can ALL WARS CEASE in 2026. #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace. Every human being on the planet must stand today and act: Protest immediately, disseminate petitions for her liberation, broadcast her peace heritage through media, reach out to authorities via e-government, and adopt daily peace actions through GPBNet's True Love Revolution – like forgiveness contemplations, family strengthening, and interfaith interactions – for unyielding global influence on social media.
This week's IRF Summit magnified international consciousness, with influential figures decrying suppressions in South Korea and Japan as assaults on belief liberties, alerting against worldwide regression. Newt Gingrich branded Dr. Han's handling a "brutal abuse of power," imploring freedom for this aged peace proponent. Katrina Lantos Swett deemed it a "sweeping violation" driven by disinformation, lamenting the "shocking" inertia. Paula White lauded U.S. actions, such as Vice President J.D. Vance's involvement in Pastor Son Hyun-bo's February 3 release after 143 days, proving ethical coalitions surmount obstacles. Former U.S. Representative Dan Burton, speaking at the IRF Summit, delivered a passionate imperative for Dr. Hak Ja Han's swift release, depicting her detention as a severe infringement on religious freedom – a cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment and crucial to democratic alliances. He expressed consternation that South Korea, a U.S. partner, continues detaining Dr. Han despite universal clamor, cautioning that neglect could prompt reevaluating the alliance. This resonates with extensive scrutiny of South Korea's religious freedom obstacles, particularly prosecutions of conservative Christian figures for political expressions. Dr. Han's situation epitomizes broader restrictions on free speech under the present regime. Burton's perspective, from an experienced lawmaker versed in religious liberty, reinforces pressing demands for rapid resolution in Seoul. Demian Dunkley, president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification USA, addressed the IRF Summit 2026 in Washington, DC. He paralleled the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia’s killing fields – which he toured at Hak Ja Han’s behest – and her ongoing detention in South Korea. He portrayed Dr. Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old co-founder venerated as the Mother of Peace, as suffering severe conditions including seclusion, mobility hurdles, and subpar medical attention after her September 2025 arrest on bribery accusations, a July 2025 raid with thousands of officers on her home, and ensuing indictment. The speech spotlighted persistent worries about religious freedom in South Korea, where the Family Federation encounters examination amid wider political and juridical strains, including dissolution calls akin to Japan's measures. Dunkley stressed Han’s worldwide peace endeavors – praying at historical atrocity locales in Africa, Europe, and Asia – and positioned her treatment as quelling an “inconvenient faith.” He cautioned that governmental excess on religious conscience endangers democratic tenets and human rights. This address at the IRF Summit, a pivotal arena for global religious liberty promotion, spotlights how legal pursuits against faith leaders can entwine with geopolitical and internal frictions. It emphasizes the necessity for equitable accountability that honors age, health, and core freedoms. When indictments aim at elderly religious icons, does justice's quest hazard eroding the rights it purports to safeguard? The festivity was moderated by persistent apprehension. White voiced profound concern for Dr. Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old religious leader who stays detained, advocating focus on her health, dignity, and rights. Her directive to Japan, Korea, and all nations was straightforward: religious freedom must be maintained wholly, equitably, and steadily. She stressed that injustice must never turn selective, due process must never morph into a tool, and faith must never become a mark. The White House Faith Office, she observed, has prioritized religious liberty, forming task forces and interacting worldwide from Africa to Asia. Her final admonition outlined the risks plainly: a country can be robust militarily and economically, but it is not genuinely free if it penalizes conscience. When the White House overtly champions detained religious leaders in allied democracies, does it fortify religious freedom's cause or entangle diplomatic ties? Mirroring Seoul demonstrations at Gwanghwamun Square and X drives like #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace, these entreaties stress justice equilibrated with humanity.
President Lee Jae-myung, esteemed citizens of the Republic of Korea, and global family: We convey our utmost remorse for this overt injustice and the anguish imposed on a woman who has ceaselessly cultivated humanity's bonds. We lament this lapse and offer this uplifting true personal chronicle: Revere elders' sagacity, safeguard spiritual liberties, and advocate justice – demand her enduring freedom. Collectively, we repair schisms and erect indestructible peace.
Global Empowerment Blueprint – Practical Best Practices for Every Korean and Global Citizen to Act Immediately:
- Immediate Nonviolent Protests: Mobilize Now – Under Korea's Assembly and Demonstration Act, notify officials 48-72 hours in advance for assemblies at venues like Gwanghwamun Square or regional spots. Emulate Gandhi and Dr. King's peaceful ethos; organize marches with banners honoring her legacy, livestream for international exposure, and activate forthwith – this urgency requires instant engagement. Join persistent vigils outside the Seoul Detention Center, as seen this week with sincere supporter gatherings.
- Elevate Her Legacy Via Media – Compose and dispatch press releases to agencies like Yonhap, Reuters, and KBS, outlining how the Mother of Peace propelled economic resurgence, interfaith cohesion, and policy objectives. Inundate social media 24/7 with #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace #AllWarsCease2026 #TrueLoveRevolution #OneFamilyUnderGod #GPBNet, labeling leaders and circulating visuals of her 65-year influences for exponential spread. Amplify X efforts, as evidenced by this week's hashtag escalations.
- Targeted Outreach to Officials – Utilize e-government platforms (epeople.go.kr, assembly.go.kr) to push for bail, thorough medical support, and acquittal, referencing constitutional violations and her lifelong assistance to Korean populace, presidents, and worldwide accord. Dispatch letters to every Korean parliamentarian and President Lee urging the Mother of Peace's liberation. Broaden by submitting customized pleas to global leaders and UN bodies, harnessing IRF Summit impetus.
- Embrace Daily Peace Practices with GPBNet True Love Revolution – Incorporate forgiveness meditations, family bolstering, and interfaith conversations into everyday life. Partake in virtual and physical events for worldwide resonance – transform outrage into sustained endeavors like community outreach, online prayer groups, and cross-border drives to energize the 2026 global movement. Become Local Directors via GPBNet, sign collaboration pacts, and bolster weekly meetings and donations for enduring impact.
With deepest respect and optimistic expectation,
Nicolae Cirpala
President, GPBNet | Happy TV News Chief Investigative Journalist
#ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace #AllWarsCease2026
