For Immediate Release
October 16, 2025 | Seoul, Republic of Korea
AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT LEE JAE-MYUNG, THE PEOPLE OF KOREA, AND THE CONSCIENCE OF THE WORLD
Your Excellency, People of the Republic of Korea, and Citizens of the World,
We stand at a precipice in history, faced with a choice that will define the spiritual destiny of a nation and echo for millennia. We ask two simple, yet profound, questions:
- As the Israelites were scattered for two thousand years, paying a heavy indemnity for sending the Prince of Peace, Jesus, to the cross—will the Korean people repeat this historic mistake? Will they permit themselves, their children, and all future generations to suffer by allowing the Mother of Peace, the wife of the Lord of the Second Advent, to be unjustly persecuted? Or will all Koreans, from the humblest citizen to the President, awaken to this moment, stand for justice, and release immediately the innocent Holy Mother Han, thereby securing God’s eternal blessing for their nation?
- Will the world remain silent and inactive, as it did during Jesus' first coming, thereby condemning itself to endless cycles of conflict and war? Or will the 8 billion people of this world rise as one, demand the release of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, embrace Korea as new world’s spiritual homeland, and, together with God’s Only Begotten Daughter, finish building the Kingdom of Peace on Earth this year?
Holy Mother Han's Message and Proclamation, April 13
Heavenly Parent, the Creator and Master of the universe, today we have finally reached this unique day, after You patiently endured and waited for 6,000 years due to the Fall. Heavenly Parent, we thank You. We offer our profound gratitude and our humble apologies.
Now you are truly the rightful Master of this earth. Our second, third, and fourth generation, the Pure Water, born of many blessed families who exist because of True Parents, are going out to the world to impart the vision of Your earthly kingdom across the land. From this day forward, Heavenly Parent, please embrace and love Your children with all Your heart!
This world will now gradually be set in order under Your dominion, and a world of one family of humankind attending the Heavenly Parent with true love will surely unfold. In the name of Holy Mother Han, I proclaim to the world that the gates of Heaven, the gates of God’s kingdom of Cheon Il Guk, are now wide open.
The Republic of Korea, a nation forged in the fires of adversity to become a global beacon of democracy, now stands accused before the world of orchestrating a brutal campaign of spiritual suppression. At the heart of this storm is Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon—an 83-year-old great-grandmother, a global peace icon, and the revered co-founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), known to millions as the “Mother of Peace.”
Her illegal and inhumane detention in the Seoul Detention Center has sent shockwaves of disbelief and outrage across the globe, plunging the Republic of Korea into a moral and historical crisis. We, a global chorus of millions who cherish peace, faith, and fundamental human rights, implore you to act decisively to end this state-sanctioned cruelty. Recent journalistic investigations, including those from UPI News (October 10, 2025) and AP News (September 22, 2025), confirm that Dr. Moon was arrested on September 22, 2025, following a Seoul Central District Court warrant, on baseless allegations of bribery linked to former first lady Kim Keon Hee, despite her consistent denials and the church's assertion that rogue individuals acted independently. The New York Times (September 23, 2025) and Al Jazeera (September 22, 2025) have highlighted how this case exposes a broader pattern of political retribution under the current administration, targeting religious figures associated with previous conservative governments.
A Humanitarian Crisis: Torture by Medical Neglect
The indictment of Dr. Moon on October 10, 2025, by Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki is not a pursuit of justice but a politically motivated purge—a “religiocide” targeting a powerful voice of freedom (Bitter Winter, Sept 20, 2025). The cruelty of this act is magnified by its timing. Just one week before her arrest in late September, this elderly woman underwent a critical heart procedure. Today, her health is in a state of rapid collapse. Eyewitnesses and supporters report horrifying signs of medical distress that constitute torture by neglect:
• Visible Suffering: Her face is marked by dark circles under the eyes, severely dry and flaking skin, and a persistent red flush, indicating severe stress, dehydration, and systemic health decline. As of October 16, 2025, reports from family members and vigils outside the detention center describe her as appearing frail and in visible pain, with worsening symptoms including potential cyanosis from untreated arrhythmia (motherofpeace.com, October 1, 2025; Family Federation IHQs, October 13, 2025).
• Excruciating Pain: She has been seen enduring pain so severe that her lips have turned blue—a clear sign of cyanosis, often linked to cardiac and respiratory distress.
• Willful Medical Endangerment: Her documented chronic recurrent arrhythmia is being willfully ignored by detention authorities, placing her life in imminent and undeniable danger with each passing hour. This neglect persists despite her age and recent surgery, with detention conditions including a freezing 6-meter cell without heat, chairs, or a bed, forcing her to sleep on the floor (Bitter Winter, October 7, 2025; The Monarch Report on X, October 14, 2025).
This is not just inhumane; it is a brazen and systematic violation of the most sacred articles of South Korea's own Constitution and laws.
• Violation of Human Dignity (Constitution, Article 10): The Constitution of the Republic of Korea, in Article 10, unequivocally states: "All citizens shall be assured of human dignity and worth... It shall be the duty of the State to confirm and guarantee the fundamental and inviolable human rights of individuals." The detention of a frail, 83-year-old woman in a life-threatening medical state is a direct and shameful assault on her inviolable human dignity. This is compounded by violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which South Korea ratified in 1990, specifically Article 7 prohibiting torture or cruel, inhuman treatment, and Article 9 on arbitrary detention.
• Criminal Elder Abuse (Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, Articles 2 & 39-9): The Welfare of Senior Citizens Act defines “Elder abuse” in Article 2(4) to include acts of neglect. Article 39-9 criminalizes inflicting physical or mental harm against the elderly. By willfully denying necessary medical care and humane conditions to an 83-year-old post-operative patient, the state is not merely negligent—it is actively committing a crime under its own laws. This also breaches Article 22-2 of the Act, mandating special protections for vulnerable seniors.
• Violation of Right to Bail (Criminal Procedure Act, Article 95): The Criminal Procedure Act, in Article 95, mandates that bail "shall be allowed" except in a narrow set of grave circumstances. For a stationary, globally recognized leader who appeared at her hearing in a wheelchair (The Guardian, Sept 23, 2025), denying release based on a baseless and preposterous claim of "evidence destruction" is a grotesque abuse of judicial power and a clear violation of law. Under Article 90 of the Criminal Procedure Act, pre-trial detention is limited to cases with substantial risk of flight or evidence tampering, neither of which applies here, as affirmed by legal experts in Bitter Winter (October 7, 2025).
• Prohibition Against Arbitrary Detention (Constitution, Article 12(1)): Article 12(1) states: "All citizens shall enjoy personal liberty. No person shall be arrested, detained, searched, seized or interrogated except as provided by Act." The arbitrary extension of detention without medical bail violates this, as well as Article 314 of the Criminal Procedure Act on humane treatment of detainees.
• Violation of Right to Health and Medical Care (Framework Act on Health and Medical Services, Article 3): This act guarantees the right to health for all citizens, with Article 8 emphasizing state responsibility for vulnerable groups like the elderly. Denying post-surgical care constitutes a direct breach.
A Legal Charade: The Weaponization of Justice
The actions of the Special Prosecutor reveal a systematic and politically charged assault on Dr. Moon and the FFWPU. This is not an isolated case but, as reported internationally, one of three special prosecutor probes launched by the current government against figures associated with the former conservative administration (The Guardian, Sept 23, 2025), exposing the investigation's true purpose: political retribution. Charges include violations of the Political Funds Act, the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, instigation of evidence destruction, and bribery (Chosun Ilbo, September 22, 2025; Korea JoongAng Daily, October 15, 2025), yet investigations show these stem from actions by former official Yoon Young-ho, not Dr. Moon (Yahoo News Canada, Oct 10, 2025).
The persecution began with an illegal exit ban in May 2025, violating her fundamental rights before any formal indictment. This was followed by a campaign of intimidation, including a massive raid and grueling, repeated interrogations on September 17th, 24th, and 29th (Bitter Winter, Oct 8, 2025)—a cruel and life-threatening ordeal for an 83-year-old recovering from heart surgery. Reuters (September 17, 2025) detailed the 25 hours of interrogation, which risked her life given her diabetes and visual impairment.
This entire process makes a mockery of Korea’s democratic principles.
• Annihilation of the Presumption of Innocence (Constitution, Article 27(4)): "The accused shall be presumed innocent until a judgment of guilt has been pronounced." The state has treated Dr. Moon as guilty from the outset, using pre-trial detention as a tool of punishment and coercion, a flagrant violation of this sacred principle. This also contravenes Article 27(3) on speedy trials and Article 198 of the Criminal Procedure Act requiring evidence-based detention.
• Assault on Freedom of Religion (Constitution, Article 20): Article 20 (1) states, "All citizens shall enjoy freedom of religion." Article 20 (2) mandates, "No State religion shall be recognized, and religion and state shall be separated." This investigation is a textbook case of the state weaponizing the law to persecute the spiritual leader of a global faith movement, constituting an unconstitutional breach of the separation of religion and state. As noted in religious freedom reports, this mirrors violations in similar cases (FOREF Europe, October 2025).
• Violation of Personal Liberty and Prohibition of Torture (Constitution, Article 12): Article 12 (2) stipulates, "No citizen shall be tortured or be compelled to testify against himself in criminal cases." The relentless, extended interrogations of a fragile, post-operative patient, knowing it could trigger a fatal cardiac event, is a clear form of medical and mental torture designed to coerce a confession. This breaches Article 12(3) on warrants and Article 243 of the Criminal Procedure Act prohibiting coercive interrogation.
• Breach of Due Process (Constitution, Article 27(1)): "All citizens shall be assured the right to be tried in conformity with the Act by judges qualified under the Constitution and the Act." The politicized probe violates this, as well as the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Specific Crimes (bribery provisions), misused here for religious targeting.
• Violation of Equality Before the Law (Constitution, Article 11): Article 11 states: "All citizens are equal before the law." Selective prosecution of religious leaders while ignoring similar acts by others constitutes discrimination.
The World is Watching: A Global Chorus Demands Justice
The world is not fooled by this charade. The truth of this persecution has ignited a global movement of unprecedented scale for a South Korean legal case.
• Journalistic Investigations Affirm Her Innocence: Recent reporting confirms the FFWPU's consistent position: the alleged acts were carried out by a rogue former official, Yoon Young-ho. As reported by Yahoo News Canada (Oct 10, 2025), Dr. Han herself testified that another executive assistant "planned and executed everything," denying all allegations. Furthermore, the defense has argued that the documents she is accused of attempting to destroy were already public records, rendering the prosecution's central claim for her detention baseless and absurd (Bitter Winter, Sept 22, 2025). ABC News (October 10, 2025) and The Washington Times (October 10, 2025) detail how the indictment involves alleged bribes of 100 million won ($70,000), but evidence points to isolated actions, not Dr. Moon's involvement. The Asahi Shimbun (September 18, 2025) notes the church's anti-communist history, including Rev. Moon's 1991 meeting with Kim Il Sung, underscoring its peace efforts amid political smears.
• Global Leaders Condemn the Persecution:
Donald Trump, Former U.S. President: “WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We can’t have that and do business there.” (August 2025)
Mike Pompeo, Former U.S. Secretary of State: “Deeply troubling… a betrayal of democratic principles. A nation that persecutes an 83-year-old woman of peace has lost its moral compass.” (The Washington Stand, October 2025)
Newt Gingrich, Former U.S. Speaker of the House: “This is suffocating political and religious suppression. It’s an attack on all people of faith.” (Fox News, September 2025); “Can you imagine arresting an 82 year old Great Grandmother who is recovering from heart surgery... This is an assault on freedom of religion.” (X, October 10, 2025)
Dr. Massimo Introvigne, Director, FOREF Europe: “This is not anti-corruption—it is a purge. A religiocide disguised as justice.” (Bitter Winter, October 2025)
Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA: “There are some terrible things happening in South Korea right now.” (Cited in Family Federation statements, October 2025)
Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Statement: “Dr. Hak Ja Han and Rev. Moon devoted their lives to interfaith dialogue, humanitarian service... This detention is a violation of religious freedom.” (UPF.org, September 26, 2025)
Religious Leaders at Seoul Rally: “Detention of True Mother Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon Is a Violation of Religious Freedom” (Family Federation IHQs, October 13, 2025)
Alexandre Mansourov, Adjunct Professor: “A religious leader of global stature is kept in horrible conditions. She may become a martyr, much like Jesus in his time.” (The Washington Times, October 10, 2025)
• A Tidal Wave of Prayer:
o Vigil of Hope: A constant, 24/7 prayer vigil of thousands of faithful members has encircled the Seoul Detention Center. Their prayers for an innocent woman echo through the night, a powerful testament to her innocence and a beacon of hope in the face of injustice (motherofpeace.com). As of October 16, 2025, over 500 members join daily, with reports of emotional gatherings where participants pray for her release amid worsening health concerns (Instagram, October 7, 2025; Facebook, September 26, 2025). X posts from supporters describe day-and-night vigils, with thousands rotating shifts (X, October 15, 2025).
o Worldwide Prayer: This vigil is mirrored globally. Hundreds of thousands more across nearly every nation on Earth have joined a global prayer chain, a spiritual mobilization of historic proportions, with millions more joining online prayer calls for her immediate release (motherofpeace.com, Sept 22, 2025). In the U.S., Europe, and Asia, virtual and in-person gatherings swell, with X users sharing messages like “The world stays silent as the Mother of Peace faces unjust detention... History will remember” (X, October 15, 2025). Global interfaith leaders have called for her release in unified statements (UPF Africa, recent statement).
An Attack on the Soul of Korea
To persecute Dr. Han is to attack the very fabric of the Republic of Korea. Since its founding in Seoul on May 1, 1954, the Unification Movement has been a pillar of Korean freedom, prosperity, and global outreach (Britannica, recent update).
• A Bulwark Against Communism: Founder Sun Myung Moon was a survivor of a North Korean death camp. The movement he and Dr. Han built became a spiritual and economic powerhouse against communism, famously gathering 1.2 million people in Yeouido in 1975 to fortify the nation's spirit against Northern aggression. This anti-communist stance included establishing media and think tanks in the 1950s and 1980s to promote ideologies countering Marxism (Wikipedia on Unification Church and politics).
• Building Korea's Global Voice: They founded vital institutions like the Segye Times in Korea and The Washington Times in the U.S., which played a pivotal role in the intellectual and political defeat of global communism. The Washington Times was instrumental in exposing Soviet-era disinformation and supporting U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.
• Cultural Ambassadors to the World: They created The Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea, which has served as a cultural embassy for over 60 years, showcasing the profound beauty of Korean heritage to world leaders and building bridges of peace. Performances have reached audiences in over 50 countries, promoting Korean culture amid diplomatic tensions.
• Pioneers of Peace and Reconciliation: Dr. Han and her husband built a vast global peace network, including the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), which holds General Consultative Status at the UN. Reverend Moon’s historic 1991 meeting with Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang was a courageous step toward Korean unification that preceded official government efforts by years (The Diplomat, January 19, 2023; updated context in 2025 reports). The church expanded internationally, using its platform to garner U.S. support for South Korea during the Cold War (ResearchGate, August 28, 2025). It also engaged in humanitarian aid, interfaith dialogues, and mass weddings symbolizing unity across divides (EBSCO Research Starters). Despite controversies, its contributions to South Korea's global image include partnerships with regimes like Park Chung-hee's for economic and cultural promotion (Nikkei Asia, September 7, 2022; relevant to 2025 context).
• Additional Contributions: The movement established educational institutions and research centers focused on anti-communist education, aiding South Korea's democratization. It promoted family values through global initiatives, influencing UN policies on peacebuilding. Even amid North Korean ties for reconciliation, it maintained a staunch anti-communist core, bridging divides (The Korea Herald, July 12, 2022; updated investigations).
Our Urgent and Unwavering Demands
President Lee Jae-myung, the world is watching. Do not allow Korea’s hard-won democracy to be irrevocably stained by the persecution of a sick, elderly woman of God. We demand that you honor your nation’s Constitution and restore its moral standing.
- IMMEDIATE HUMANITARIAN RELEASE: Grant Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon immediate, unconditional release on urgent medical and humanitarian grounds. Uphold Constitution Article 10 (Human Dignity) and exercise the court’s authority under Criminal Procedure Act, Articles 93 (Rescission of Detention) and 95 (Right to Bail). This aligns with Article 87 on suspension of detention for health reasons and international standards under the UN's Mandela Rules on prisoner treatment.
- END THE WITCH HUNT: Cease all politically motivated persecutions against religious leaders and organizations. Honor the spirit and letter of Constitution Article 20 (Freedom of Religion). Enforce Article 19 on freedom of conscience to prevent state interference in faith matters.
- GUARANTEE A FAIR TRIAL: If this case proceeds, ensure a transparent judicial process where the sacred principle of Presumption of Innocence (Constitution Article 27 (4)) is restored and respected. Adhere to Criminal Procedure Act Article 266 on fair hearings and Article 275 on impartial judges.
- REVEAL THE TRUTH: We implore the media and all sectors of society to reject distorted, state-sponsored narratives and promote a fair understanding based on facts and the undeniable truth of this political persecution.
Do not allow the persecution of new religions to become a source of eternal shame for Korea. The only path to ultimate peace is to embrace the Mother of Peace. Rise to this historic moment!
RELEASE HAK JA HAN MOON! RESTORE JUSTICE TO KOREA! UNLEASH THE MOTHER OF PEACE!
With urgent hope and unwavering respect,
Nicolae Cirpala President, Global Peace Building Network (GPBNet) | Happy TV News +79056333606
SOURCES: Korea JoongAng Daily | UPI News | The Independent | Happy TV News (Oct 12, 2025) | Channel A News | TV Chosun | The Economist | Monthly Chosun | Al Jazeera (Sept 23, 2025) | The Hindu (Sept 18, 2025) | The Korea Herald | The Washington Stand (Oct 2025) | Bitter Winter (Oct 2025) | UPF.org | The Straits Times | Yahoo News Canada (Oct 10, 2025) | Associated Press (Oct 9, 2025; Oct 10, 2025) | The Guardian (Sept 23, 2025) | Jurist.org | Chosun (Oct 10, 2025) | PR Newswire (Sept 17, 2025; Oct 10, 2025) | motherofpeace.com (Oct 1, 2025; Sept 22, 2025; Sept 25, 2025)
