A Tribute to Hyo Jin Moon

Hyo Jin Moon, the eldest son of Father and Mother Moon, ascended to the spirit world while in Korea on March 17, 2008. Upon his ascension, Father and Mother Moon commended him into the spirit world with this calligraphy: He will open and liberate the deepest heaven and turn it into a flower garden as the lord who opens the gates of loyalty and filial piety.

To honor and celebrate the 12th Anniversary of his ascension, here is a special introductory video and recording of the 2018 American Hyo Jin Moon Concert held on Saturday, May 26 at the Manhattan Center in New York City.

Hyo Jin Moon Introductory Video

This video will depict personal accounts of Hyo Jin Moon’s character and personality better known by those who worked closely with him. It is no secret that Hyo Jin Moon contended with challenges in his personal and creatively productive life. In particular, the way he dealt with pain, sorrow, difficulties and setbacks in the course of a very challenging life has often been misunderstood, if known at all. The producer’s intention is for viewers to reconsider or reset any past prejudices.

Hyo Jin Moon 2018 Concert

The American Hyo Jin Moon 2018 Concert video represents a live performance of his music, performed by his loyal band of brothers and three of his beloved children, Shin Chul, Shin Heung and Shin Yuh. Both his lyrics and music remain compelling, and the performance was genuine and exhilarating. Throughout the performance, Hyo Jin Moon appeared and commanded the band, effectively directing the concert to its ultimate climax. It was a fully integrated celebration of faith, piety, devotion and love for God and Father and Mother Moon.

Song information

1. 한마디 – One Word
Written in 2000 and one of 10,000 songs that Hyo Jin Moon wrote but never included in any of his albums. With exception to those who attended his live concert in Japan and Korea, many have never heard it. The original song title was “Promise,” because for Hyo Jin Moon, love was the promise. Performed by Hyo Jin Moon’s eldest son Shin Chul Moon.

2. 비의 노래 – Rain Song
From Album #8, Beat the Devil Out of You (1991). Performed by Hyo Jin Moon’s second son Shin Heung Moon.

3. 영원한 친구 – Eternal Friend
From Album #14, The Keeper (1993), and was written for Hyo Jin Moon’s younger brother Heung Jin Moon who ascended to the spirit world in 1984 at age of 17. Performed by Shin Heung Moon.

4. I Will Alway Treasure Your Love
From Album #2, Offering Songs (1989). Performed by Hyo Jin Moon’s oldest daughter Shin Yuh Moon.

5. 나의 인생 – My Life
From Album #10, Devil Grinder (1992). Performed by Shin Yuh Moon.

6. 재생 – Rebirth
From Hyo Jin Moon’s first album, Rebirth (1988). Hyo Jin Moon truly projects his deep love and heart to his parents in this song. The lead guitarist, Shunya, was in Hyo Jin Moon’s band from a 1992 concert in Tokyo, Japan, and right after at the Little Angels in Korea. In this concert, Syunya was using a very special guitar custom-made for Hyo Jin Moon by a Japanese brother. It was not a shiny or pretty one, and you can see that the guitar went through a lot with Hyo Jin Moon. Even more special, is was that guitar that Hyo Jin Moon was also playing on the screen in this concert.

7. 기적소리 – Let It Blow
From Album #7, Paradise Before Heaven (1991). Performed by Shin Chul, Shin Heung and Shin Yuh Moon.

Producer’s Note

I worked with Hyo Jin Moon in the 1990s at the Manhattan Center. But back then I was younger I didn’t understand him enough. After Hyo Jin Moon ascended, a very strong desire began to grow inside of me to bring him back onto the Manhattan Center stage with his own band. Finally, this dream of mine became a reality through this concert with the work and support of many people. It was almost impossible to do but it really felt like I was directly pushed and guided by Hyo Jin Moon every step of the way.

To create the introductory video, I had to discuss with and interview many people who worked with him in the good times and who supported him in the difficult phases of his life. I learned so much about Hyo Jin Moon through that process. It was a journey of healing.

Photo credit FFWPU-USA

Going through the intense fire of preparation time and post-production time, I realized the situation in which Hyo Jin Moon often found himself. Because the concept of this concert originated in a dream I had, I was the only one who fully knew what had to be done to actualize the plan. Though I had a great team, I had to initiate and be involved with every aspect of the preparation. I came to realize how often Hyo Jin Moon had been in the same situation but on the bigger level. Because we didn’t really understand his heart and plan completely, he had to push on by himself and couldn’t stop working.

I think Hyo Jin Moon wanted us to have this concert to start something new. I hope that through this concert viewers will feel his heart and be inspired to move forward to make his dream, his parents’ dream and God’s dream a reality.

Toshi Tagawa
Producer, Director & Video Editor, 2018 Hyo Jin Moon Concert
Graphic Designer and Assistant Sound Engineer at Manhattan Center Studios 1991-1998

Read testimonies from the Hyo Jin Moon Band members and staff by clicking the button below.