Actress Ha-young has issued a handwritten apology regarding the pro-Japanese controversy surrounding her great-grandfather.
On August 12, she opened her Instagram post by saying, "I sincerely apologize for the disappointment and hurt caused by matters related to my great-grandfather."
She continued, "Recently, as I learned about the past actions of my great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho, I have reflected on my family's history with a heavy heart. Until now, I only had a fragmented understanding of my great-grandfather's life through stories passed down in my family. Regrettably, I have shared these stories in various settings as if they were a source of family pride, despite my ignorance."
Ha-young explained that through this incident, she sought out relevant materials and became aware of her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions. "I reflect on how I lightly mentioned my family history without fully understanding the painful history of our country during the Japanese occupation," she stated.
Regarding her agency's initial statement, which claimed the allegations were unfounded, she said, "I also did not know the facts accurately, and my agency's statement was released without sufficient verification. I believe it was my shortcoming that a misleading position was communicated, causing further confusion and hurt, for which I sincerely apologize."
Ha-young added, "The matter is so serious and regrettable that I struggled with how to express my apology, which delayed my statement. I believe that my lack of knowledge does not excuse me from facing this history or treating it lightly. I accept this mistake seriously and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I feel particularly remorseful for causing controversy due to my shortcomings just before Liberation Day."
She concluded, "I will deeply engrave this incident in my heart. I will take a closer look at my family's history and that era, and I will adopt a more cautious attitude toward history in the future. I will also strive to study our history deeply and serve with respect for the independence activists and all those who contributed to our country's liberation and peace. I will put these words into action, not just in words."
Once, Ha-young appeared on KBS 2TV's variety show 'Problematic Men' and introduced her family as a 'four-generation medical family,' stating, "My great-grandfather opened the first Western-style clinic in Hanyang and treated Emperor Gojong." However, it was later revealed that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, had pro-Japanese affiliations. He graduated from the Tokyo Jiyu Medical School in 1902, becoming the first Korean to obtain a Japanese medical license and treated Emperor Gojong. He was also listed as a member of the pro-Japanese organization Daijeong Chinhokhoe, which included figures like Lee Wan-yong. This revelation has intensified criticism of Ha-young's family.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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