Love and Sacrifice: Remembering Heung Jin Moon

Today marks the 37th World Seonghwa Ceremony anniversary of Heung Jin Moon, who selflessly gave his life to save two passengers in his car by swerving to take the impact of an oncoming truck that veered into his lane. The 17-year-old son of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) co-founders Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, affectionately known as True Parents, was in a coma for 10 days before ascending to the spirit world on January 2, 1984. 

The Bible says there is no greater love than a person who lays down his life for others. Without hesitation, Heung Jin sacrificed himself for his friends, Jin Bok Lee and Jin Gil Lee. The accident, which occurred in New York on the evening of December 22, 1983, left Heung Jin with a severe cerebral concussion. Rev. and Dr. Moon were in South Korea at the time holding the last of a series of International Federation for Victory Over Communism (IFVOC) rallies.

Let us remember the loving heart of Heung Jin and his noble sacrifice as we embark on this new year. Below is an excerpt from the main address of Heung Jin’s World Seonghwa Ceremony in Seoul, given on January 8, 1984 by the late Dr. Bo Hi Pak.

Speech excerpt:

“Heung Jin Moon had a reputation for being a warm-hearted boy since he was 10. Even as a child, he was recognized as having unique wisdom. He was respected by all of his friends and had that special characteristic of deeply loving his brothers and sisters. His mental and physical growth was outstanding compared to that of his siblings, and when he was only 15, he already fully comprehended and absorbed the Unification ideology. We all saw that even at such a young age, he tried his best to make his parents happy.

Heung Jin devoted himself to following True Father’s will completely. He was a naturally gifted artist and he wanted to become a famous industrial artist. After he understood Unification ideology, however, he later made up his mind to major in history and archeology and later study theology and philosophy in order to become a great religious leader.

Heung Jin loved humanity. He was very friendly and loved every visitor at East Garden. He shared all of his best things with his friends. He did not discriminate between people and loved everyone who was loyal in faith. On top of that, he endeavored to share his possessions with those who worked hard for God’s Will… 

Heung Jin practiced filial piety until the very moment of his passing. According to the doctor, Heung Jin should have been killed instantly in such an accident. Even though Heung Jin was in a coma, he persisted to the last possible moment until True Father completed his mission in Korea. True Father did not want him to pass away before God’s Day… Heung Jin held on up to the moment of January 2 and passed away peacefully during True Father’s prayer, surrounded by his parents, brothers and sisters, world Unification Church leaders and representatives. This was the final act of a true filial son…

Now we have to take our example from Heung Jin and be loyal in faith… We are at the happiest point of time in human history in the sense that we can sacrifice our own lives in the same way if necessary.” —Dr. Bo Hi Pak

Born on October 23, 1966 in Seoul, Heung Jin was a loyal and dutiful son beloved by many people. Classmates from Hackley Middle School and Irvington High School in New York put up placards expressing their condolences; lowered the school flags to half mast; and organized memorial services in honor of him. Rev. and Dr. Moon also declared January 3, 1984 as the Day of Victory of Love, to commemorate the triumph of God’s love through Heung Jin’s sacrificial life.

You can read the full main address from Heung Jin Moon’s World Seonghwa Ceremony here.

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