February 24, 2026 | Seoul, Republic of Korea
Global Broadcast Press Release: 156th Open Letter to Her Holiness Dr. Hak Ja Han, Revered as the Mother of Peace; His Excellency President Lee Jae-myung; Distinguished Members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea; Cherished Citizens of the Republic of Korea; and the 8 Billion 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 apologies for the profound injustice inflicted upon Dr. Hak Ja Han—an 83-year-old beacon of unity and selfless leadership. This investigative press release, crafted by the dedicated team at Happy TV News in partnership with the Global Peace Building Network (GPBNet) and proponents of the True Love Revolution, draws on the freshest developments from South Korea and around the world as of February 23, 2026. Sourced from credible outlets including Yonhap News Agency, The Korea Times, Anadolu Agency, Korea JoongAng Daily, Chosun Ilbo, The Washington Post, Reuters, and international human rights reports, this in-depth probe uncovers a glaring violation of fundamental rights against a tireless advocate for global cohesion. It weaves her empowering life story of enduring empathy and transformation, while outlining practical steps for individuals worldwide to safeguard religious freedoms, heal divisions, and propel a collective drive to end all conflicts.
Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and internationally acclaimed as the Mother of Peace, continues to endure unjust pretrial detention in South Korea on disputed charges of bribery and violations of political funding laws—allegations vehemently contested by her advocates and legal team as fabricated and politically charged. Arrested on September 22, 2025, without a conviction or complete trial, she has now spent 156 days in custody as of February 24, 2026, interrupted only by brief medical reprieves. This week's events in South Korea have intensified scrutiny on religious freedoms, protections for elderly inmates, and prosecutorial overreach, amplified by reverberations from the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C., held earlier this month. Notable advancements include the Seoul Central District Court's decision on February 11, 2026, to temporarily suspend her detention from 10:00 a.m. on February 12 to 2:00 p.m. on February 21 for essential medical care, following a February 4 appeal by her attorneys emphasizing her age and deteriorating health—this parallels a short-lived release in late 2025 for glaucoma surgery that was not prolonged.
These developments reflect broader news trends this week: escalating discussions on encroachments against faith communities, advocacy for vulnerable prisoners, and international condemnations, particularly from the IRF Summit. For instance, a February 21 report from Chosun Ilbo detailed the court's denial of her extension request, resulting in her return to detention despite documented falls and vulnerability. Anadolu Agency's February 22 coverage confirmed the Seoul Central District Court's rejection of the health-based extension, highlighting risks of cardiogenic shock and recent stumbles that ignited public discourse on humane incarceration. Globally, February 2026 articles from Reuters and The Washington Post tied her situation to transnational religious tensions, with growing calls for her release echoing across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond. On X, momentum built under #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace, with posts such as one from @DemianDunkley on February 20 challenging the logic of confining her to a "cement cell" amid health deterioration, and @monarchreport25 on February 21 outlining her impending return despite ongoing concerns, amassing thousands of engagements and fueling the movement.
This ordeal directly contravenes South Korea's Constitution: Article 20 shields religious freedom from state interference; Article 12 mandates due process and prohibits arbitrary arrests; Article 11 ensures equality under the law; and Article 21 protects freedom of speech and assembly—all blatantly disregarded. Her robust 14-member defense team, comprising former prosecutors and judges, argues that officials rely on unreliable testimonies while dismissing health appeals, mirroring inconsistencies in investigations involving former First Lady Kim Keon-hee and exposing systemic biases.
At 83, Dr. Han's fragile health heightens the urgency: progressive macular degeneration verging on blindness, acute glaucoma, diabetes, atrial fibrillation posing heart failure risks, significant weight loss, and debilitating knee conditions compelling her to crawl for basic needs. In January 2026, she experienced three documented falls (January 5, 15, and 23) leading to hip and pelvic injuries, plus a courtroom collapse on January 27 that halted proceedings. A court-ordered medical evaluation on February 9 arose from delayed hearings, with supporters stressing insufficient pain relief and the necessity for ongoing specialized treatment. These conditions breach the United Nations' Nelson Mandela Rules, which stipulate detention as a last resort for the elderly or infirm, prioritizing dignity and non-custodial alternatives—standards that South Korea, as a leading democracy, ought to uphold but has regrettably abandoned.
Dr. Hak Ja Han reentered the Seoul Detention Center on February 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. KST, after the court's refusal to extend her medical suspension. This temporary halt, granted on February 11 and effective from February 12, was not bail but a restricted respite confined to hospital premises, allowing contact only with medical professionals and lawyers. Advocates now await a ruling on further extensions amid rising fears over her declining condition. Since her arrest on September 22, 2025, on contested bribery charges, Dr. Han has suffered at least three falls in custody at the Seoul Detention Center: January 5, 15, and 23, 2026. According to CDC data, falls are the leading cause of injury (fatal and non-fatal) for individuals aged 65 and older. South Korea's Constitution (Article 10) guarantees human dignity and the right to happiness, interpreted by courts to include health protections and compassionate treatment. Ignoring medical evidence (e.g., fall logs and chronic illnesses) in enforcing detention, potentially causing injury or death, could amount to gross negligence under the Judges Act (Article 45) or Criminal Code (Article 122, abuse of power).
Under President Lee's regime, “separation of church and state” has become a blunt weapon, not a principle. Han Hak-ja is dragged back behind bars after a temporary medical release, denied compassion and due process by a court eager to please political power. Criminalize religious leaders, intimidate faith, and dress persecution up as law. When faith threatens power, the left calls it a crime. Let's look at the details: CURRENT SITUATION Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church in South Korea, has returned to detention after a court REJECTED her request for an extended temporary release on health grounds. The Seoul Central District Court denied her request to extend her temporary suspension from detention, ordering her back behind bars. Han had been temporarily released earlier this month to receive medical treatment, including care after a fall, but that suspension expired and the extension was refused. This marks the SECOND time she has been released and then returned to custody — the first was in late 2025 when she underwent eye surgery after a court-ordered medical leave. BACKGROUND REVIEW Han Hak-ja is facing a criminal trial on bribery and political fund law charges, including accusations linked to gifts allegedly given to former first lady Kim Keon-hee. Special prosecutors have indicted her along with other charges related to political influence and improper donations. Today they jail pastors—tomorrow they silence believers.
What direction will South Korea take as the global community presses President Lee to liberate the innocent Mother of Peace?
A former political prisoner draws parallels between his experiences under communist Czechoslovakia and Dr. Hak Ja Han's current incarceration in South Korea. Peter Zoehrer, February 21, 2026. A moving photograph of Dr. Hak Ja Han (83) in a wheelchair, head bowed, accompanied by an aide through a crowded area (September 2025 court appearance). It captures the deep emotional and physical strain. (Source: The New York Times). Perspectives from PhDr. Juraj Lajda (Ph.D.), educator and editor, former political prisoner under Czechoslovakia's communist regime. A Heartbreaking Return to Incarceration. Prague, February 21, 2026 – Just hours ago, the news broke: Dr. Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has been returned to her cell at the Seoul Detention Center. After a mere ten-day temporary suspension of detention for essential medical treatment in a hospital, the Seoul Central District Court rejected her team's request for an extension. She is back in prison despite confirmed serious health problems – worsening vision aggravated by glaucoma, severe mobility limitations following knee surgery, and a critical heart condition (arrhythmia) that required surgery just five months ago. Reports indicate recent falls in custody have worsened her fragile state. I am profoundly shocked and saddened by the treatment this elderly spiritual leader is receiving from South Korea's government. To me—and I believe to anyone with a moral compass—it is patently obvious that her health could not have magically stabilized in such a short time that her life is no longer at risk. The brief respite, from February 12 to 21, was a compassionate gesture acknowledging urgent medical needs, yet its abrupt end raises serious questions about priorities in a supposedly democratic justice system. Echoes of My Own Imprisonment. As someone who survived prolonged detention under a communist regime in Eastern Europe, I can speak from personal experience that even in those oppressive times, prisoners—including political ones—received more humane consideration for serious health issues than Dr. Han is getting today in a nation considered fully democratic since 1987. “Even under communism, I received more humane medical treatment than Dr. Han does now in democratic South Korea.” Her case starkly reminds me of my own suffering as a political prisoner in Czechoslovakia in the early 1970s. By extraordinary coincidence—for following the teachings of South Korean Rev. Sun Myung Moon—I was sentenced, along with 17 other young people (mostly university students), to three years and two months for alleged subversion of the republic. We were subjected to nearly ten months of intense pretrial investigation before the trial even started. Official prison intake photo of Dr. Juraj Lajda, taken in Bratislava in 1973 after arrest under communist rule. During that period, I was detained in a Bratislava remand facility. Interrogations continued relentlessly until the files were closed and the prosecutor drew up the indictment. My cell was a tiny 2x3 meters, often shared with two or three others, creating constant psychological and physical pressure. About six months in, my chronic atopic eczema erupted with unprecedented severity. The prison environment—poor hygiene, stress, inadequate nutrition—triggered a rapid deterioration: my hands became completely covered in swollen, weeping eczema, severely impacting my overall well-being and causing excruciating pain. The Doctor Who Placed Humanity Above Ideology. I immediately reported my worsening condition to the prison doctor. Limited by the basic medical facilities in detention, he recognized the seriousness and arranged for my transfer to a specialized prison hospital in Brno for proper treatment. I remained there under guard for 40 days, until the condition stabilized and was successfully treated. Even in Brno, I was still a prisoner: my freedom, movement, and outside contacts were strictly limited. But the accommodations were far more humane—larger, with a proper bed—and the regimen was adapted to support recovery. Each day, I was escorted to the clinic for targeted care. The medical staff there genuinely worked to heal me, seeing me not as an ideological enemy but as a patient in need. The key decision—to hospitalize me and determine the duration—rested with the attending physician. He couldn't foresee how long recovery would take; his sole priority was effective healing. Bound by the Hippocratic Oath from his medical school days, he vowed to preserve human life above all else. Politically neutral, he upheld a fundamental human principle: even an accused individual is first and foremost a human being deserving of care. This was true even in a communist prison. Coming from a medical family—my father was a prominent surgeon—I have long understood the profound ethical responsibilities of doctors. In my case, the necessary approvals from judges or investigators were granted because the medical need was undeniable. A Stark Reversal: Communist Mercy vs. “Democratic” Harshness. To reiterate: this all occurred in communist Czechoslovakia in 1974. Even under that repressive system, political prisoners like me were afforded a more compassionate approach to severe illness than is being extended to Dr. Hak Ja Han under President Lee's South Korean administration. I am appalled and horrified by this glaring contrast. Who Holds Power Over a Human Life? Who currently has ultimate authority over Dr. Han’s health—the prosecutor, judge, investigator, or the attending doctor most familiar with her condition? “Prosecutors and judges are not medical experts. They cannot override life-saving health decisions.” If medical professionals recommend extended hospital care and court approval is required, what justifiable reason is there for denial? Prosecutors and judges are not trained physicians capable of superseding expert assessments on treatment duration. Is rigid adherence to procedure truly more sacred than preserving life? What kind of justice allows such decisions? Are these officials truly suited to dispense justice? “Ten days of mercy cannot erase five months of decline.” Why haven't South Korean doctors spoken out? They, more than anyone, understand the gravity of her situation—heart risks, recent falls, continued deterioration in custody. Is the Hippocratic Oath, with its timeless imperative to “do no harm” and prioritize life, no longer binding in South Korea? The Unbearable Truth: Slow Death Disguised as Justice. Without genuine prioritization of health, this prolonged detention—now over five months, with only short, conditional interruptions—amounts to nothing less than the intentional wasting away of an elderly person, or put bluntly, a form of slow murder. “I ask as someone who survived communism: what path is South Korea on?” My resolute conclusion, based on my own brutal experiences, is that even under the communist regime I endured, political prisoners were treated with greater humanity in matters of health and dignity than in modern 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-establishing the movement in the 1950s alongside her late husband, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Dr. Han has devoted herself unwaveringly to Korea and the world. Born during the turmoil of the Korean War in North Korea, she spearheaded postwar reconstruction through anti-communist initiatives, such as the 1975 rallies that rallied 1.2 million Koreans amid Cold War perils. Her efforts bolstered industrial giants like Samsung and Hyundai, propelling Korea's "Miracle on the Han River" from a 1960 GDP of $1.5 billion to its present economic powerhouse status. In diplomacy, she enabled the 1991 summit with Kim Il Sung for peninsula unification and the 1990 dialogue with Mikhail Gorbachev to alleviate international tensions. She founded the Women's Federation for World Peace in 1992 (now active in 157 countries) and the Universal Peace Federation in 2005 (spanning over 200 nations), fostering interfaith harmony, family values, and conflict resolution. Her ideals of fairness and solidarity have supported leaders across Korean presidencies, including implicit alignment with President Lee Jae-myung's visions of equity and inter-Korean peace—yet, paradoxically, under his leadership, she was jailed without a court verdict and remains incarcerated, a glaring contradiction that demands resolution. 2026 reports from The Washington Post (February 3) and familyfedihq.org revisit these accomplishments, underscoring her anti-communism and peace advocacy amid current Korean investigations.
A powerful true personal story exemplifies her essence of empowerment and grace: Despite Rev. Moon's near-fatal imprisonment in North Korea during the Korean War and her family's persecution for their beliefs, they returned in 1991 with open hearts. As Dr. Han stated, "Viewing others solely as enemies blocks forgiveness. Only a parental heart, a mother's boundless love, enables it. I pursued not revenge, but reconciliation." This maternal wisdom birthed the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, demonstrating that peace arises from bold forgiveness, not vengeance—a lesson for our divided world today.
In 2026, over 50 active armed conflicts ravage more than 100 countries—from Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan, Myanmar, and Nigeria—displacing millions and steering humanity toward catastrophe. More than 20 of these wars have persisted for over two decades, condemning generations to endless violence. Half the world—100 countries—grapples with warfare right now. What are you waiting for? If this is true—what will you do daily? Dr. Han's "One Family Under God" philosophy and True Love principles offer a moral framework to transform adversaries into kin. Logically and practically, her immediate and unconditional release is essential: As a visionary spiritual guide, she can lead the 2026 Global Ceasefire Movement, sanctifying the Earth to eradicate brutality. Without her leadership, conflicts rage on; with her freedom, grassroots, love-driven actions can extinguish discord. Only by releasing Her Holiness Holy Mother Han to holify all Earth can ALL WARS CEASE in 2026. #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace. Every human on the planet must stand today and act: Protest immediately, share petitions for her liberation, broadcast her peace legacy through media, reach leaders via e-government, and commit to daily peace actions through GPBNet's True Love Revolution—such as forgiveness meditations, family strengthening, and interfaith conversations—for continuous global impact on social media 24/7.
This week's IRF Summit elevated worldwide attention, with prominent figures denouncing suppressions in South Korea and Japan as assaults on faith rights, warning of global regression. Newt Gingrich described Dr. Han's treatment as a "brutal abuse of power," imploring freedom for this elderly peace icon. Katrina Lantos Swett termed it a "sweeping violation" driven by misinformation, lamenting the "shocking" indifference. Paula White highlighted U.S. efforts, like Vice President J.D. Vance's involvement in Pastor Son Hyun-bo's February 3 release after 143 days, proving ethical coalitions transcend borders. Former U.S. Congressman Dan Burton, at the IRF Summit, delivered a passionate call for Dr. Hak Ja Han's swift release, depicting her detention as a severe breach of religious freedom—a cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment and vital to democratic alliances. He expressed shock that South Korea, a U.S. partner, continues to detain Dr. Han despite international outcry, suggesting inaction could prompt alliance reevaluation. This resonates with in-depth analyses of South Korea's religious freedom challenges, particularly prosecutions of conservative Christian leaders for political stances. Dr. Han's case epitomizes broader restrictions on expression under the current regime. Burton's perspective, from a veteran lawmaker versed in faith liberty, bolsters urgent demands for prompt 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 linked Cambodia's Khmer Rouge genocide—which he visited at Hak Ja Han’s encouragement—to her ongoing detention in South Korea. He portrayed Dr. Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old co-founder known as the Mother of Peace, as facing harsh conditions including isolation, mobility restrictions, and inadequate medical support following her September 2025 arrest on bribery allegations, a July 2025 raid on her home involving thousands of officers, and ensuing indictment. The speech spotlighted persistent concerns about religious freedom in South Korea, where the Family Federation undergoes scrutiny amid larger political and legal pressures, including dissolution threats akin to Japan's. Dunkley stressed Han’s global peace endeavors—praying at historic atrocity sites in Africa, Europe, and Asia—and framed her treatment as suppressing an “inconvenient faith.” He warned that government overreach on religious conscience threatens democratic pillars and human rights. This address at the IRF Summit, a key hub for advancing global religious liberty, illustrates how legal measures against faith leaders can intersect with geopolitical and domestic strains. It emphasizes the imperative for balanced accountability that respects age, health, and core freedoms. When prosecutions target elderly spiritual luminaries, does the quest for justice risk eroding the very rights it purports to defend? The event was shadowed by continued concern. White voiced profound worry for Dr. Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old faith leader who remains imprisoned, urging focus on her well-being, dignity, and rights. Her message to Japan, Korea, and all nations was unequivocal: religious freedom must be protected fully, equitably, and consistently. She declared that injustice must never devolve into discrimination, due process must never become a tool of oppression, and faith must never become a stigma. The White House Faith Office, she noted, has prioritized religious liberty, forming task forces and engaging worldwide from Africa to Asia. Her final warning laid out the dangers plainly: a country can be strong in military and economy, but it lacks true freedom if it penalizes conscience. When the White House publicly backs detained faith leaders in allied democracies, does it strengthen the cause of religious freedom or strain diplomatic ties? Mirroring Seoul demonstrations at Gwanghwamun Square and X campaigns like #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace, these pleas underscore justice tempered with humanity.
President Lee Jae-myung, esteemed citizens of the Republic of Korea, and global family: We convey our utmost regret for this egregious injustice and the suffering imposed on a woman who has ceaselessly nurtured humanity's bonds. We grieve this betrayal and share this empowering true personal narrative: Honor the wisdom of elders, defend religious freedoms, and uphold justice—demand her permanent release. United, we bridge divides and forge unbreakable peace.
Global Empowerment Framework – Practical Best Practices for Every Korean and Global Citizen to Act Immediately:
- Initiate Peaceful Protests: Rally Now – Under Korea's Assembly and Demonstration Act, notify authorities 48-72 hours in advance for gatherings at sites like Gwanghwamun Square or local venues. Emulate Gandhi and Dr. King's nonviolence; organize marches with banners honoring her legacy, livestream for international reach, and mobilize urgently—this crisis requires instant participation. Join ongoing vigils outside the Seoul Detention Center, as seen this week with supporter gatherings.
- Broadcast Her Legacy via Media: Craft and dispatch press releases to outlets like Yonhap, Reuters, and KBS, explaining how the Mother of Peace advanced economic growth, interfaith unity, and policy objectives. Saturate social media 24/7 with #ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace #AllWarsCease2026 #TrueLoveRevolution #OneFamilyUnderGod #GPBNet, tagging leaders and sharing visuals of her 65-year contributions for viral amplification. Enhance X efforts, as evidenced by this week's hashtag spikes.
- Direct Outreach to Leaders: Use e-government platforms (epeople.go.kr, assembly.go.kr) to push for bail, full medical support, and acquittal, referencing constitutional violations and her lifelong aid to the Korean people, presidents, and global peace. Send letters to all Korean parliamentarians and President Lee demanding the Mother of Peace's freedom. Broaden by submitting personalized appeals to world leaders and UN bodies, leveraging IRF Summit momentum.
- Embrace Daily Peace Actions with GPBNet True Love Revolution: Integrate forgiveness meditations, family building, and interfaith discussions into everyday life. Participate in online and offline events for worldwide resonance – channel outrage into sustained activities like community outreach, virtual prayer groups, and cross-border campaigns to energize the 2026 global movement. Become Local Ambassadors via GPBNet, sign collaboration pledges, and support weekly forums and donations for enduring influence.
With profound respect and optimistic resolve,
Nicolae Cirpala
President, GPBNet | Chief Investigative Journalist, Happy TV News
#ReleaseTheMotherOfPeace #AllWarsCease2026
