Tribute to Hyo Jin Moon - Recording of the 2018 American Hyo Jin Moon Concert

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 11th 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 Always 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.

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.

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 and 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.

Testimonies from Hyo Jin Moon Band Members and Staff

Masahiko Harigae Keyboard and Coordinator for Hyo Jin Moon Band

Last year was the 10th anniversary of Hyo Jin Moon’s ascension. We, the members of the Hyo Jin Moon Band, had an opportunity to regroup and perform together once again. Yet for us, the real significance was that Hyo Jin Moon’s three children had come to sing his songs along with us. We were delighted to support them on stage just as we had done with their father on so many occasions.

Before any performance, Hyo Jin Moon always gave detailed directions to the band. We came to appreciate how serious he took each performance and we directly experienced his personal commitment in making sure that each of us performed as he expected.

Before we performed with his children last year, I hoped we could create the right atmosphere so that they could experience their father as we had. And that I thought to be the very best gift we could give to them. Certainly, as members of his own band, we had very distinct experiences with Hyo Jin Moon than most. He was our commander in the battlefield where we fought side by side, and at the same time, he was a loving elder brother who simply treated us as his own family. As we performed together again, my other hope was that Hyo Jin Moon’s children could readily feel that we were their brothers and very much part of their family.

It is true that not many understood who Hyo Jin Moon really was. So, through this concert, my hope was for people to feel Hyo Jin Moon’s pure heart. He worked very hard in the creation and production of his music even though no one really understood him. He expressed what he understood about the cause of contradiction rooted so deep in society. He searched for the most effective ways to lead humanity toward the ideal world. It remains my hope that through this 2018 live concert everyone could have the opportunity to think about what strenuous efforts Hyo Jin Moon has made through his music.

Only a handful of people supported Hyo Jin Moon throughout his life, and they did so in different ways. Those individuals really loved him and came together despite past misunderstandings. It felt like Hyo Jin Moon was saying, “Hey, forget about your stupid nonsense. Just come. I’ll be there, OK?” Right before this memorial concert, I believe that Hyo Jin Moon called all of us together from the spirit world. And when the concert was over, it was a great festival aligned and centered on the one and only Hyo Jin Moon.

Takeshi Drummer for Hyo Jin Moon Band, 1992-2007

Unfortunately, I was not able to be on stage at the memorial concert. I watched the concert video and felt it was a miracle to see Hyo Jin Moon’s children performing with their father on stage. Every time I watch this video it moves me to tears. It will be an eternal treasure.

Matt Ishizuka Backup Vocals in 2003 Hyo Jin Moon concert in Osaka, Japan Backup Vocals and Guitar in Hyo Jin Moon concert tour 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007

I am currently part of the Los Angeles Family Church band. We were invited to perform our original songs and a medley of some of Hyo Jin Moon’s songs at this 10th anniversary concert at Manhattan Center. Four days before the concert, one of the regular guitarists of the Hyo Jin Moon Band had an unexpected emergency and had to cancel his flight. I was suddenly asked to take his place in the band as a second guitarist, and had to learn all of the songs in almost 40 hours before my flight to New York. This was in addition to organizing the Los Angeles Family Church band for the trip to New York including our own rehearsals.

I had practiced for almost 30 hours straight when my tenosynovitis in my left hand and wrist started

hurting. I kept practicing anyway, but it just got worse. Eventually I had to stop practicing even though I wanted to continue. All I could do at that point was pray. Suddenly it hit me; Hyo Jin Moon’s life was full of pain, but he had to push through so many difficulties to achieve his mission and goal. I realized that he often wanted to do more than he physically could. He must have been frustrated by his physical limitations as well as our limitations. We limited him because we didn’t understand him enough and couldn’t support him enough. He was crushed in pain many times but he never gave up. He kept pushing himself for God and his parents. I was now determined to let God work through me. I thought, “I’ll do my best to make the audience happy and make Father and Mother Moon smile through Hyo Jin Moon’s children singing with their father.” When I woke up in the morning before my departure, the pain in my hand was almost gone and I knew I could play with the band.

In New York, I met with the band members, Masaya, Masahiko, Shunya and M., and others who worked closely with him. Hyo Jin Moon’s children came and only stayed less than 24 hours in New York for this concert. I felt strongly that Hyo Jin Moon was gathering everyone for his 10th memorial concert.

While performing at the concert, I felt Hyo Jin Moon’s presence from the very beginning as he performed with us on the screen. When Shin Heung Moon sang “Eternal Friend,” a song written for Hyo Jin Moon’s younger brother, Heung Jin Moon, I felt both their spirits were with us. During the guitar solo for “Rebirth,” many young second-generation Unificationists in the audience were screaming loudly. I felt everyone came into oneness as the song progressed. I couldn’t stop crying on stage, grateful for God’s grace in having us all here and for being able to perform with Hyo Jin Moon.

Recording Engineer for Hyo Jin Moon in the Manhattan Center and his Belvedere studio, recorded over 11,200 songs in that time period, 1987-2002 Roy started working at Manhattan Center in 1979 recording and doing live sound for Father Moon around the country for the International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences Conferences

Doing the live sound at the Manhattan Center for the memorial concert was great fun. It was nice to see his children singing and really pouring their hearts into each song. Mixing the concert in Manhattan Center Studio 7 was nice, but really challenging. Hyo Jin Moon mixed all his albums by himself and paid great attention to the blending of each element within each song. He would sometimes push himself very hard and mix one song for a few days until he was satisfied. When you mix on an automated sound console you create a mix/pass tree, which can easily go into the hundreds, to go back and forth within each section of the song adjusting many parameters until it comes out right. I hope that he was happy with the results of the concert. It was an honor to be involved with this project!

Peter Ross President, Manhattan Center Studios, 1997-1999 President, Manhattan Center Productions, 2002-2015 General Counsel, Manhattan Center, 2002-current Co-editor and Publisher, Speeches of Hyo Jin Moon 2006-2008

Hyo Jin Moon continues to warrant respect for what he did in a short but intense life. An unbiased viewer will gain a lot from watching this terrific recording of the 2018 concert. Its distinct elements are immediately apparent: great performances by each member of the Hyo Jin Moon Band, the courage of Shin Chul, Shin Heung and Shin Yuh to perform and interpret their father’s songs, and the production values that included footage of Hyo Jin Moon’s past performances and the presentation of his lyrics in English.

I suggest everyone listen to Hyo Jin Moon’s 1988 song “Rebirth,” or if you already have, listen to it anew. In my opinion, it will go down in the music records as one of rock’s greatest anthems. Hyo Jin Moon took his guitar and used it in the most committed manner until his ascension. By his life, Hyo Jin Moon sought to bridge the divide between humanity and God and the divisions that yet plague our human family.

We may speak of Hyo Jin Moon’s legacy through his extensive catalogue of original songs, his many efforts in the Arts, or by his speeches and writings, but surely his greatest legacy is his children.

Dr. Frank Kaufmann Co-editor and Publisher, Speeches of Hyo Jin Moon 2006-2008 Frank was blessed to spend hours in intimate settings with Hyo Jin Moon Christmas 1988-present Publisher, New World Encyclopedia under Father and Mother Moon’s direction

This concert was greatness. We all want to get close to greatness, which is natural because it comes from our yearning for God.

Hyo Jin Moon’s great fruits and wonder come to us through this concert. From this we grow to know him

better and feel closer to him.

His music and art presents for us his genius and passion. But our deepest thirst is more for love. That love we seek to discover is seen and felt intimately during this concert.

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

Hyo Jin Moon’s last concert in America was held in 1993, then he performed in Japan and Korea from 2003 to 2007. Because of this, many people never had the chance to experience Hyo Jin Moon’s deep heart through his live performances. I was hoping that this concert could become the means for people to feel Hyo Jin Moon’s heart through his music. With this same purpose in mind, I also produced the introductory video of Hyo Jin Moon for people to understand him and feel his heart behind all that he has done. Now looking back, I believe this concert was able to accomplish that.

When I first dreamed up the idea, I imagined Hyo Jin Moon on the screen and his band playing together. But then, a very special addition was incorporated: Hyo Jin Moon’s children singing their father’s songs.

In order to make this concert become a reality, we had to overcome many difficulties. But with the helpful efforts from many people who love Hyo Jin Moon, and with so much help from God and Hyo Jin Moon in the spirit world, we were able to host this concert.

In order to produce this show, I needed certain essential elements: videotapes of Hyo Jin Moon’s Japan concerts from 2003 to 2007, individual video tapes from each camera that followed Hyo Jin Moon on stage, and the isolated audio tracks of Hyo Jin Moon’s voice and his guitar performance from those concerts. I also needed to make sure the original band members and Hyo Jin Moon’s children would be on board.

Finding the video tapes was almost impossible. Manhattan Center Japan used to house them, but they were all later sent to Korea. When I contacted Korea about this, they told me all the video tapes were stored in 600 unlabeled boxes. At first I was willing to travel to Korea to search through these boxes myself, but someone over there volunteered to help me out. He searched through the boxes but couldn’t find any of the concert tapes. I was then recommended that I check Kogensya, the Japanese Unification Church book company, to see if they had anything. They didn’t have exactly what we needed but they had enough useable material.

Finding the audio tracks was just as difficult. I asked the former band leader, but he couldn’t find anything. It seemed as if I’d hit a dead end. I finally contacted Masahiko Harigae, the Keyboard Player and coordinator of the Hyo Jin Moon Band, and found out he had exactly what we needed! He was planning a similar event in Korea and had already prepared the audio track of Hyo Jin Moon’s voice and guitar. This event in Korea had been canceled due to a massive earthquake that hit and cancelled all flights out of Japan. He also had some video footage of Hyo Jin Moon on stage in sync with the audio track. With Masahiko’s help, I solved the majority of my problems.

As for Hyo Jin Moon’s children, I wasn’t sure if they would be able to attend and perform in the concert. We sent the demo audio and video to them and prayed they could do it. America’s Memorial Day Weekend was Korea’s school exam season. As they had to be in school, Hyo Jin Moon’s family arrived the night before the concert and had a very limited rehearsal time the morning of. We couldn’t even practice all the songs!

I watched this video hundreds of times as I was editing the video and mixing the audio with Roy. But even now when I watch this video I am moved to tears. Hyo Jin Moon’s music has the power to move people. In every concert, he shed tears as he sang.

Share your memories and/or testimonies of Hyo Jin Moon with us.