Actor Ha-young Apologizes for Great-Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Actions

Actor Ha-young has issued a personal apology regarding the pro-Japanese actions of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho.

On August 11, Ha-young took to Instagram to express, "I sincerely apologize for the disappointment and hurt caused by matters related to my great-grandfather. Recently, I have reflected on my family's history with a heavy heart after learning about my great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho's past actions."

She continued, "Until now, I only had a fragmented understanding of my great-grandfather's life based on stories passed down through my family. Regrettably, I have spoken about him in various settings as if it were a family pride, in a state of ignorance."

Ha-young acknowledged that the recent events prompted her to research her great-grandfather's history, stating, "Through this process, I learned about his 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 also apologized for her initial response to the controversy, saying, "When the issue first arose, I did not have a clear understanding of the facts, which led my agency to issue a statement claiming it was unfounded. I believe it was my inadequacy that allowed a mistaken position to be communicated without sufficient verification. I sincerely apologize for causing further confusion and hurt."

Ha-young added, "Not knowing the facts does not excuse me from overlooking or trivializing that history. I take this mistake seriously and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I feel particularly remorseful for causing controversy due to my shortcomings just before Liberation Day."

In conclusion, she stated, "I will take a closer look at my family's history and that era, and I will approach history with greater caution in the future. I will strive to study our history deeply and serve with respect for those who contributed to our independence and the well-being of our country. I will put these words into action, not just in speech."

Previously, on August 7, Ha-young mentioned her family's background on KBS2's 'Problematic Men in the Rooftop Room,' stating, "My great-grandfather studied Western medicine in Japan and was the first doctor to open a practice in Hanyang. I believe he treated King Gojong."

Following the broadcast, allegations regarding Ahn Sang-ho's pro-Japanese activities surfaced online. Ahn Sang-ho is known to have graduated from the Tokyo Jikei Medical School in 1902, becoming the first Korean to obtain a medical license in Japan. After returning to Korea in 1904, he opened a private practice in Jongno 3-ga, Seoul, and treated King Gojong alongside a Japanese doctor in 1919.

In response to the controversy, Ha-young's agency initially stated that the claims were "unfounded." However, after Ahn Sang-ho's name was found on a list of council members of the Daijeong Friendship Association, the agency reversed its position within a day. The Daijeong Friendship Association is known to have cooperated with Japanese colonial rule and promoted the integration of Koreans and Japanese, with figures like Lee Wan-yong also associated with the group.

In light of the controversy, Ha-young's promotional schedule for her upcoming Netflix series 'This Awful Love' has been adjusted, with all related interviews canceled.