'Such a Family History'..Ha Young Backlash from Pro-Japanese Controversy → Kang Dong-won and Lee Ji-ah Re-examined [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

While actor Ha Young faced backlash after mentioning her family history, actors Kang Dong-won and Lee Ji-ah, who previously faced controversy over their families' pro-Japanese activities, are being re-examined.

Ha Young recently appeared on KBS 2TV's variety program 'Problem Children Are Here!' and revealed that she comes from a family of doctors spanning four generations. She further stated regarding her great-grandfather: "I heard he went to Japan to study Western medicine, opened the first clinic in Han-yang, and treated Ko Jong (황제)."

Following this, speculation arose that Ha Young's great-grandfather was a doctor named Ahn Sang-ho who was active during the Japanese colonial period. As his past activities were re-examined, suspicions of pro-Japanese collaboration intensified. Moreover, it emerged that Ha Young's grandfather, Ahn Boo-ho, served as a physician at National Sorokdo Hospital, where human rights violations against Hansen's disease patients occurred while he worked at Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine Joo Im (Prof.), further fueling the controversy.

In response, Ha Young's agency, Vistars Entertainment, stated on the 10th: "It is true that Teacher Ahn Sang-ho is Ha Young's great-grandfather," while denying the pro-Japanese allegations as baseless. However, just one day later, the agency reversed its stance, explaining: "Upon further verification, we confirmed that records actually exist showing Teacher Ahn Sang-ho's name on the 1916 Taegyeong Friendship Association councilor list."

She added: "We sincerely apologize for causing confusion by hastily responding that the allegations were baseless without sufficient verification. Through this incident, we deeply realized how crucial careful verification is when conveying historical facts and an individual's biography to the public."

Similar cases have occurred in the past. Actors Kang Dong-won and Lee Ji-ah also faced pro-Japanese controversies after their families' past activities were revealed. At that time, both actors issued direct statements and apologized regarding their families' histories.

Kang Dong-won faced severe criticism when it was revealed that his great-great-grandfather, Lee Jong-man, had pro-Japanese activities. In a 2007 interview, he introduced Lee Jong-man as the chairman of Daedong Enterprise who engaged in gold mining businesses. However, Lee Jong-man was classified as a pro-Japanese figure who accumulated wealth during the Japanese colonial period in the mining and education sectors.

Furthermore, the controversy intensified because it occurred just before the release of '1987,' which dealt with the democratization movement.

As the controversy grew, Kang Dong-won issued a direct statement: "I grew up hearing about my great-great-grandfather's good deeds since childhood," and explained: "At the time of the interview, I did not accurately recognize his wrongful actions."

She continued: "My failure to accurately recognize the past, my immature response that caused controversy, and my inability to state my position promptly are all my faults," adding: "Through this incident, I will study history more deeply and reflect on myself."

Lee Ji-ah also faced difficulties when it was revealed that her grandfather, Kim Sun-hong, had pro-Japanese activities. This controversy resurfaced when it emerged that she was involved in an inheritance dispute over land reportedly left by Kim Sun-hong. Kim Sun-hong is known to have been a large landowner during the Japanese colonial period with records of donating national defense supplies to Japan.

Lee Ji-ah stated: "Since becoming independent at age 18, I have never received any financial support from my parents, and due to complicated family matters, I cut ties with them over ten years ago. I know nothing about the family assets or lawsuits that became controversial this time and have no connection to them." She bowed her head and added: "I have no memories of my grandfather and grew up knowing nothing about his pro-Japanese activities. I learned of these facts through a 2011 article and visited the Institute for Joint Research on Korean History to verify the donation records of my grandfather as a descendant. As a descendant, I sincerely apologize."

In this manner, Kang Dong-won and Lee Ji-ah directly verified the factual circumstances related to their families' past activities and clearly drew lines against wrongful actions. In contrast, Ha Young's side initially denied the pro-Japanese allegations but later reversed its position, thereby escalating the controversy. Additionally, Ha Young expressed embarrassment over the 'unintended controversy' rather than offering a heartfelt apology.

Attention is now focused on whether Ha Young will speak directly regarding this controversy. Ha Young is set to give an interview related to the Netflix series 'Such a Damn Love' on the 14th. With her agency having issued a formal apology, it remains to be seen what position Ha Young will take before the media regarding the family history controversy.

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*This content was translated by AI.