The United Kingdom Remembers Bo Hi Pak (August 18, 1930 - January 12, 2019)

On January 12, 2019, Dr. Bo Hi Pak passed away at the age of 90 (Korean age). As part of the original 36 couples, he played a huge role in the Unification movement, often serving as True Father’s “right-hand man”. We take a look back at his legacy.

Dr. Pak was born August 18, 1930 in Chung Nam Province. At 20 years old he joined the Korean Military Academy as a cadet, where the devastation of war left a deep impression on both his heart and mind. He rose through the ranks to lieutenant colonel in the Korean army and during this time he joined the Unification Church (around the 1950s). He was blessed by Father and Mother in the 36 Couples Blessing (March 1, 1961) to Ki Sook Yoon. Together they had six children. He attended True Father throughout the years, with him often being referred to as Father’s “right-hand man” or “top deputy.”

Dr. Pak was a prominent leader in the movement, pioneering projects like the Washington Times newspaper, performing art projects (he was the President of ‘The Little Angels’ dance troupe) and the anti-communist organisation CAUSA International. He also served as the International President of the movement from 1977 – 1991.

In the 1970s, Dr. Pak bravely testified before representatives of the United States amidst investigations into the Unification Church. He said: “I am a proud Korean – a proud Moonie – and a dedicated anti-Communist and I intend to remain so [for] the rest of my life”. Dr. Pak meeting Kim Jong Il Dr. Pak played a vital role in organising providential events and meetings with leading world figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev (former President of the Soviet Union) and Kim Il Sung (former Premier of North Korea).

In 1994, Dr. Pak was one of the few South Koreans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Il when he represented True Parents in offering condolences after the death of Kim Il Sung.

As President of the Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea, he led the dance troupe across the globe in order to positively spread knowledge and awareness of Korean culture to the world. The Little Angels were also brought to nations that extended support to Korea over wartime, in order to give thanks to surviving veterans and their families. He acted as a grandfather figure, who personally knew that Korea’s existence was due to the sacrifices of many. As the President of the Little Angels, he had the opportunity to meet Queen Elizabeth II. He also met the 40th President of the United States – Ronald Reagan.

Dr. Bo Hi Pak is well-known for being Father’s translator, but he also had a curious sense of humour. When the 1976 film ‘Rocky’ released, Dr. Pak bought a blown-up photo of the film’s boxer (Sylvester Stallone) but replaced his face with True Father’s, much to the delight of the True Parents.

Dr. Pak meeting U.S. President Ronald Reagan

Speaking on True Father on August 9, 2013, Dr. Bo Hi Pak said:

“Marriage counsellor: No one could do marriage counselling as well as Father. He was the best in the world. All Father had to do was look at faces and he could see all the ancestors and the family members.

Organizer: Oh, boy. He was not just an organizer. At big rallies, like at Washington Monument and Yankee Stadium, he was a commanding general. When the commanding general checks the organization, everything will be rehearsed fully beforehand. He was a perfectionist; he wanted to see things done to perfection. For example, sound: In the middle of a speech, did we ever lose the sound? That never happened under Father.

World traveller: He was a world traveller but not in a secular sense. Can you imagine going to a different country and giving a public speech every day for a hundred days? Could you endure that schedule? Father did that once by himself and a second time Mother and some of their children took some of the countries. You will not find another world traveller like Father in all of history.

Inter-religious harmonizer: He had no conception of prejudice. We were persecuted by other religions, but Father never responded. ‘You said bad things about us, so I’ll say bad things about you’ was never Father’s

way. He did not engage in that.”

Dr. Pak’s Seonghwa was held Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

We deeply thank Dr. Pak for his life served living for the sake of others. We send our sincerest condolences and prayers to his family.

For more information on Dr. Bo Hi Pak, please visit the sources linked.

Dr. Pak and Mother

Sources used:

www.tparents.org/Library/Unification/Talks/Pak/Pak-130809.htm

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Hi_Pak

goo.gl/DZsgJV

vimeo.com/311016705