70 Years On: Detention History Repeats Itself

Echoes of 1955: Mother Han’s detention makes hundreds of members gather in prayer every night in front of detention center

Déjà Vu 70 Years Ago

A briefing 28^th September 2025 by Kim Dong-yeon (김동연), Vice-President, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in South Korea on the 6^th day of Mother Han’s detention at Seoul Detention Center. AI-translated from Korean, slightly edited.

See also Arbitrary Detention of Mother Han, Pastor Son

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See also Mother Han’s Arrest and Purge of Faith in SKorea

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See also Critics Warn of “Authoritarian Drift” in SKorea

See also Court Decision to Prolong Detention Condemned

This weekend, members continue to make their way to Seoul Detention Center, where True Mother is being held. In front of the iron gates, under the sign that reads “Establishing Law and Order, Seoul Detention Center”, our members stand weeping and praying without ceasing.

Seventy years ago

As I watch our members, I imagine the scene seventy years ago. In 1955, True Father was unjustly accused and imprisoned for three months as an unconvicted detainee at Seodaemun Prison. This prison, originally the Gyeongseong Prison under the Japanese occupation, was renamed Seoul Prison and later Seoul Penitentiary after the liberation, housing both those awaiting trial and convicted prisoners.

See also Mother Han’s Case Echoing a 1955 Religious Trial

See also 1955 Revisited: Lessons for South Korea Today

During True Father’s confinement and trial, newspapers and magazines across the country published articles slandering the “Unification Church”. Although social criticism poured down, members gathered daily at Seodaemun Prison, longing to see True Father.

In 1967, with judicial reforms, Seoul Detention Center was established in Anyang as a facility specifically for pre-trial detainees. In 1987, Seodaemun Prison was closed, and Seoul Detention Center was fully relocated to its current site in Uiwang [satellite city to Seoul]. Now, seventy years later, in 2025, True Mother has been confined to Seoul Detention Center.

We who live in 2025

It feels as though the history of suffering True Father endured is repeating itself, as the Republic of Korea once again condemns the “Unification Church”. To see the True Parents walk the path of unjust imprisonment under the weight of religious prejudice fills our members only with sorrow and remorse.

In 1955, the Unification Church was a small, unknown church. Yet seventy years later, the Family Federation has grown into a worldwide religion, with blessed families across the globe attending the True Parents. Nevertheless, many people still do not know the True Parents, nor does everyone understand the Family Federation. As we see people ridicule and scorn us, we realize all the more clearly that our mission is far from complete.

Just as the trial in Seodaemun Prison became the foundation for deeper roots of faith in the Korean church, so too must we use this suffering as an opportunity to advance Heaven’s providence even more firmly. Centered on the True Parents’ words, “Forgive, Love, Unite,” we must plant unshakable roots of faith, practice true love, and reach out even to those who criticize and despise us.

When True Father was released from Seodaemun Prison, having been declared innocent, he came out with a face more radiant than anyone else’s. I envision the day when True Mother, too, will return to us with a smile brighter than that of any other. Let us offer our prayers and devotions together for that day to come quickly!

See also SKorea: Growing Concerns Over Religious Freedom

See also Democratic Party’s Assault on Family Federation

See also Mother Han (82) in Poor Health in Damp, Cold Cell

See also In Detention: Mother Han’s Condition and Words

See also News Release Blasts Indictment of Hak Ja Han, 82

See also Arbitrary Detention of Mother Han, Pastor Son

See also Firsthand Account of Ordeal of Mother Han (82)

See also Mother Han: “The Truth Will Surely Be Revealed”

See also Law as Weapon: Old Age and Frail Health Ignored

See also Mother Han’s Arrest and Purge of Faith in SKorea

See also Co-Founder, 82, Questioned 9 Hours by Prosecutors

See also Korean Crisis: “True Democracy Must Serve Heaven”

See also Denying Allegations: Hak Ja Han (82) in Inquiry

See also Ugly: Arrest Warrant Sought for Hak Ja Han (82)

See also Critics Warn of “Authoritarian Drift” in SKorea

See also Court Decision to Prolong Detention Condemned

See also Faith Leaders Protest State Assault on Religion

See also Detention: Harsh Cell Conditions Spark Outcry

See also 1955 Revisited: Lessons for South Korea Today

Featured image above: From a spontaneous prayer vigil 25th September 2025 outside Seoul Detention Center, where Mother Han has been held since 22nd Sep. Photo: Masataka Asaoka.

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