Sun Myung Moon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sun Myung Moon
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Moon delivering a speech in Las Vegas, 2010
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| Born |
Moon Yong-myeong
6 January 1920 Chongju, North Pyongan, Japanese Korea
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| Died | 3 September 2012 (aged 92) Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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| Nationality | Korean |
| Occupation |
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| Known for | Founder of the Unification Church |
| Spouse(s) |
Choi Sun-kil
(m. 1945; div. 1957)Hak Ja Han
(m. 1960) |
| Children | 16, including:
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| Korean name | |
| Hangul | |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Mun Seon-myeong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Mun Sŏnmyŏng |
| Birth name | |
| Hangul | |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Mun Yong-myeong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Mun Yongmyŏng |
Sun Myung Moon (Hangul: 문선명; Hanja: 文鮮明; born Yong Myung Moon; 6 January 1920 – 3 September 2012) was a religious leader from Korea. He was also known for his businesses and for supporting conservative political ideas. He founded the Unification movement, whose members see him and his wife, Hak Ja Han, as their "True Parents."
Moon was born in what is now North Korea. His family became Christian when he was a child. In 1947, the North Korean government arrested him. He was sentenced to five years in a labor camp. In 1950, during the Korean War, United Nations and United States troops freed him.
In 1954, Moon started the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity in Seoul, South Korea. This church was based on new ideas about the Bible, focusing on family values. In 1971, he moved to the United States. He became well-known after giving many public speeches about his beliefs.
Moon was sometimes criticized for asking a lot from his followers. His large wedding ceremonies also drew attention. He was also known for meeting with important political and religious leaders. These included US presidents Richard Nixon, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
Contents
Sun Myung Moon: A Life of Faith and Action
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Sun Myung Moon was born Yong Myung Moon on January 6, 1920. This was in what is now North Pyongan Province, North Korea. At that time, Korea was under Japanese rule. He grew up in a farming family with eight children. His family followed Confucianist beliefs. When he was about 10 years old, they became Christians and joined the Presbyterian Church.
In 1941, Moon began studying electrical engineering in Japan. He attended Waseda University. During this time, he worked with members of the Communist Party of Korea. They were part of the Korean independence movement against Japan. In 1943, he returned to Seoul. He married Sun Kil Choi in April 1945.
In the 1940s, Moon attended a church led by Baek Moon Kim. Kim believed he had a mission from Jesus. This mission was to spread the idea of a "new Israel" worldwide. Around this time, Moon changed his name to Sun Myung.
After World War II, Korea was divided. The northern part was influenced by the Soviet Union. The southern part was influenced by the United States. Pyongyang was a Christian center in Korea. But after 1945, many religious figures were harmed or disappeared. In 1947, Moon was arrested by the North Korean government. He was accused of spying for South Korea. He was sent to the Hŭngnam labor camp for five years.
In 1950, during the Korean War, United Nations troops attacked Hŭngnam. The guards fled, and Moon escaped. He then traveled to Busan, South Korea.
Building a Global Movement
After leaving the labor camp, Moon became strongly against communism. He believed the Cold War was a battle between God and Satan. He saw divided Korea as a key part of this conflict. In 1954, Moon officially started the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity in Seoul.
He quickly attracted young followers. They helped build businesses and cultural groups connected to the church. In his new church, he taught a conservative, family-focused system of values. This was based on his own ideas about the Bible.
Core Beliefs
Moon stated that when he was fifteen, Jesus chose him. He was to finish Jesus's work by becoming a parent to all people. The Divine Principle is the main book of the Unification movement. Moon and an early follower, Hyo Won Eu, wrote it. It was first published in 1966. An English version came out in 1973.
This book contains the main ideas of Unification theology. Followers consider it a holy book. It explains God's purpose for creating humans. It also talks about the "fall of man." And it describes "restoration," which is God's work through history. This work aims to fix the problems from the fall and bring humanity back to God's original plan.
God is seen as the creator. God's nature includes both male and female qualities. God is the source of all truth, beauty, and goodness. Humans and the universe show God's personality and purpose. "Give-and-take action" and "subject and object position" are important ideas. They describe how things interact. The goal of human life is to bring joy to God. The "four-position foundation" is another key idea. It helps explain why the family is so important in their beliefs.
Marriage and Blessing Ceremonies
Moon married his second wife, Hak Ja Han, on April 11, 1960. She was 17 years old at the time. This ceremony was called the Holy Marriage. Han is often called "Mother" or "True Mother." Together, she and Moon are known as the "True Parents" by Unification Church members. Their family is called the "True Family."
The church teaches that Jesus was divine but not God. He was meant to be the second Adam. He would create a perfect family by marrying an ideal wife. This would start humanity's freedom from sin. But Jesus was crucified before he married. So, he saved mankind spiritually, but not physically. This physical task was left to the "True Parents"—Moon and Han. They would connect married couples and their families to God.
Mass Weddings
Blessing ceremonies have received much attention. They are often called "mass weddings." Some couples are already married. Those who are engaged later legally marry in their own countries. These ceremonies show the church's focus on traditional values. They brought Moon both fame and discussion.
The first ceremony was in 1961 in Seoul. Thirty-six couples from the early church took part. The ceremonies grew much larger over time. In 1982, over 2,000 couples participated in New York City. This was the first one outside South Korea. In 1992, about 30,000 couples joined a ceremony. A record 360,000 couples took part in Seoul three years later.
Moon said he matched couples from different races and countries. He believed all of humanity should be united. He said: "International and intercultural marriages are the quickest way to bring about an ideal world of peace. People should marry across national and cultural boundaries... so that the world of peace can come that much more quickly."
Working for Peace and Unity
In 1971, Moon moved to the United States. He had first visited in 1965. He remained a citizen of South Korea. In 1972, Moon started the International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences. This was a series of meetings for scientists. The first meeting had 20 people. The largest, in Seoul in 1982, had 808 people from over 100 countries. Some participants were Nobel laureates.
In 1974, Moon asked church members to support President Richard Nixon. This was during the Watergate scandal. Nixon was under pressure to leave office. Church members prayed and fasted for Nixon for three days. They did this in front of the United States Capitol. Their motto was: "Forgive, Love and Unite." On February 1, 1974, Nixon publicly thanked them. He officially met with Moon. This brought the church a lot of public and media attention.
In the 1970s, Moon gave many public speeches. He spoke to audiences in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The largest events included a rally in 1975 against North Korean actions in Seoul. He also gave a speech at an event in Washington D.C.
Legal Challenges and Support
In 1982, Moon faced a legal case in the United States. He was found responsible for certain actions related to his finances. He was given an 18-month sentence and a fine. He served 13 months of the sentence before being released.
This case sparked debates about freedom of religion and free speech. Many religious leaders and civil rights groups supported Moon. They said the trial might have been unfair due to religious bias. Groups like the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A and the National Council of Churches supported him. Many notable clergy, including Jerry Falwell and Joseph Lowery, signed petitions. They spoke out in Moon's defense.
Business and Media Ventures
The Washington Times
In 1982, The Washington Times newspaper was founded. It was started by News World Communications. This is an international media company linked to Moon. It also owned newspapers in South Korea, Japan, and South America. It also owned the news agency United Press International. The Washington Times is known for its conservative views. Many important people in Washington D.C. read it. By 2002, Moon had invested a lot of money to support the Times. He called it a tool for "spreading the truth about God to the world."
Other Businesses
Tongil Group is a South Korean business group. Moon founded it in 1963. It started as a nonprofit to help fund the church. It focused on manufacturing. In the 1970s and 1980s, it grew. It started or bought businesses in medicine, tourism, and publishing. Some of its main companies include Ilwha Company, which makes ginseng products. Ilshin Stone makes building materials. Tongil Heavy Industries makes machine parts, including for the South Korean military.
The church is a large owner of sushi restaurants in the U.S. In the Kodiak Island area of Alaska, it is a major employer. The church also started the first car factory in North Korea, Pyeonghwa Motors. It is also a large exporter of Korean goods.
In 1989, Moon founded Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma. This is a very successful soccer club in Korea. It has won many league titles and cups. Moon also managed the FIFA-approved Peace Cup football tournament.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2000, Moon supported a United Nations conference. It suggested creating a "religious assembly" within the UN structure. In 2003, Moon sponsored the first Peace Cup international football tournament. Famous soccer player Pelé met with Moon during this event.
In 2009, Moon's autobiography was published in South Korea. It was called As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen. The book became a best-seller in Korea and Japan. It focused on Moon's role as a Korean patriot and a global peace advocate.
By 2010, Moon had given much of the responsibility for his church and business activities to his children. They were in their 30s and 40s. In 2012, the South Korean press reported that Moon traveled worldwide in his private jet.
Illness and Death
On August 14, 2012, Moon was admitted to a hospital in Seoul. He had been suffering from pneumonia. On August 15, he was reported to be very ill. He was put on a breathing machine. On August 31, he was moved to a church-owned hospital near his home. He died on September 3, 2012, at the age of 92.
A two-week period of mourning was held for him. On September 15, after a funeral service, Moon was buried. Tens of thousands of Unification Church followers attended the service.
Activities and Interests
Politics and Peace Efforts
In 1964, Moon founded the Korean Culture and Freedom Foundation. This group promoted South Korea's interests. It also supported Radio Free Asia. Former U.S. Presidents Harry S Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon were involved at different times.
In 1972, Moon predicted that communism would decline. This was based on his Divine Principle teachings. He said communism, which started in 1917, would fall in its 70th year.
In 1980, Moon asked church members to create CAUSA International. This was an anti-communist education group. It was active in 21 countries in the 1980s. It held conferences for Christian leaders and others. CAUSA also supported the Nicaraguan Contras.
In April 1990, Moon visited the Soviet Union. He met with President Mikhail Gorbachev. Moon supported the changes happening in the Soviet Union. The Unification Church also expanded into former communist countries.
In 1991, Moon met with Kim Il Sung, the North Korean President. They talked about ways to achieve peace on the Korean peninsula. They also discussed international relations and tourism. In 1994, Moon was officially invited to Kim Il Sung's funeral. This was despite North and South Korea not having official diplomatic ties. Moon and his church are known for working towards Korean unification.
In 2005, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his wife, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, founded the Universal Peace Federation (UPF). This is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works with the United Nations. They support the UN's work and its goals for sustainable development.
Race Relations
Moon strongly opposed racism and racial discrimination. In 1974, he encouraged Unification Church members to support an African American president. He said: "We must never forget that we are brothers and sisters in a huge human family."
In 1981, he said he experienced racial prejudice in the United States. This was during his legal case. Several African American groups and individuals supported Moon at this time. These included the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
In 2000, Moon and The Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan worked together. They sponsored the Million Family March. This was a rally in Washington D.C. It celebrated family unity and harmony among races and religions. It also addressed other issues like health care and education.
Arts and Culture
In 1962, Moon and church members founded the Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea. This is a children's dance group. It performs traditional Korean folk dances. Moon said this was to show a positive image of South Korea to the world.
In 1984, Moon founded the Universal Ballet project. It was described as a top ballet company in Asia. In 1989, Moon founded the Universal Ballet Academy. It later changed its name to Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C..
Awards and Recognition
Moon received honorary degrees from many universities worldwide. Some of these universities received funding from his organizations. In 1985, he and his wife received Doctor of Divinity degrees from Shaw University.
In 2004, Moon was honored at an event in Washington, D.C. This event drew public attention. Some critics said it might go against the idea of separation of church and state in the United States. Some political figures who attended later said they were not fully aware of the event's nature.
After his death, an award was created in his and his wife's name. It is called the Sunhak Peace Prize. It aims to recognize people who make innovations in human development, conflict resolution, and protecting the environment. Winners receive a certificate, a medal, and money.
In 2012, Moon was given North Korea's National Reunification Prize after his death. He also received an award from the K-League. On the first anniversary of Moon's death, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent condolences to Moon's wife and family. He said Moon "worked hard for national concord, prosperity and reunification and world peace."
In 2013, Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said he was inspired by Moon's work. He said Moon's life "continue[s] to impact positively on the lives of millions of others in the world."
In 2021, Donald Trump praised Moon at an event linked to the Unification Church. Other former U.S. officials, like Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo, have also spoken at similar events.
See also
In Spanish: Sun Myung Moon para niños
- Messiah
- List of messiah claimants
- Messiah complex
