"There is a chance for a seasonal series," they shouted... but SBS is in a bind over the 'pro-Japanese collaboration' allegations regarding Ha Young's great-grandfather [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Ha Young has been engulfed in controversy day after day over allegations of pro-Japanese collaboration by his ancestors. Amid this, the drama "There Is a Chance" in which he stars is also facing an unexpected crisis.

The mention of Ha Young's great-grandfather, physician Ahn Sang-ho, originated from Ha Young himself. Appearing on KBS 2TV's variety program "Problem Children Are Here!" broadcast on the 7th, he emphasized that his family has been a lineage of physicians for four generations and stated, "My great-grandfather was one of the first to introduce Western medicine in Hanyang. After studying medicine in Japan, he opened Korea's first Yang (Rep.) clinic in Hanyang and treated patients at Ko Jong (황제)."

Following this, claims emerged online that the great-grandfather mentioned by Ha Young on the program was physician Ahn Sang-ho. Ahn graduated from Tokyo Zaisei Medical School in Japan in 1902, becoming the first Korean to obtain a Japanese medical license, and is also a figure suspected of pro-Japanese collaboration during the Japanese colonial period.

In fact, records surfaced showing that on December 10, 1918, Ahn Sang-ho, then an institutional investor at Maeil Sinbo, stated: "I am like a Japanese person; I wear Japanese clothing and my wife is Japanese. Our household rules and diet are entirely Japanese-style. Unlike Koreans, we do not even own a single traditional robe."

As the controversy spread, Ha Young's agency, Vistars Entertainment, issued a statement on the 10th saying, "It is true that Ha Young's great-grandfather was Ahn Sang-ho," but drew a line by stating there were "inaccuracies regarding Ahn's pro-Japanese activities."

However, as the backlash grew uncontrollably, the agency reversed its initial stance the following day on the 11th, stating, "Further verification confirmed that records exist showing Ahn Sang-ho was listed as a councilor of the Daejeong Friendship Association in 1916," and issued an apology.

The broadcasting industry is also on high alert. Ha Young previously shared romantic chemistry with actor Jung Hae-in in the Netflix original "What a Ridiculous Love," which was released on the 7th, and will also appear in SBS's upcoming drama "There Is a Chance," scheduled for broadcast in the first half of next year.

Notably, "There Is a Chance" drew high expectations from potential viewers when it was revealed as part of SBS's strong lineup for the first half of 2027. Consequently, at the SBS drama media day event titled "Next Episode," held in June at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul, director Kwon Da-som and lead actors Lee Je-hoon and Ha Young attended and spoke with reporters.

At that time, Lee Je-hoon expressed confidence, saying, "The characters in 'There Is a Chance' have interesting differences, which makes me look forward to it. The chemistry is endless, so I want to continue with this cast into the next season. There is a chance for it to become a seasonal series." Ha Young also conveyed a cheerful atmosphere on set, stating, "Many excellent actors are participating. I think viewers will be able to enjoy even each episode."

The character Yeo Sim-hee, portrayed by Ha Young, is a rookie lawyer with no money or connections but whose diligence is her weapon. The character's narrative follows her emotional journey as she watches the eccentric office manager Kwon Baek (played by Lee Hoon) foreseeing future events, feeling overwhelmed, and growing into a proper lawyer under Kwon's guidance.

However, with Ha Young now entangled in allegations of pro-Japanese family ties, SBS has unexpectedly encountered a difficult obstacle and is in a predicament. Given that "There Is a Chance" deals with themes of justice and law, concerns are already being raised that viewers may struggle to fully immerse themselves in Yeo Sim-hee's role.

As Lee Je-hoon confidently stated, "There is a chance for it to become a seasonal series," "There Is a Chance" was conceived with the possibility of multiple seasons in mind. As SBS has previously achieved successful hits with its seasonal series strategy, public attention is now focused on what decision the network will make regarding this situation.

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*This content was translated by AI.