Ha Young and her father, an 'absurdly ridiculous' explanation... proving pro-Japanese ideology in a farce, triggering another self-inflicted controversy [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

'Such Ridiculous Love' title is also 'Such Ridiculously Ridiculous Explanation.' The controversy over actor Ha Young (33, real name Ahn Ha-young)'s great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho being labeled a traitor has intensified public outrage due to inappropriate remarks made by Ha Young and her father.

Ha Young had previously taken the stance that the rumors regarding her great-grandfather were baseless on the 10th, as the controversy spread rapidly.

However, Ahn Sang-ho, confirmed as her great-grandfather, has records of treasonous activities scattered throughout history. Records show he participated as a councilor when the Daetong Friendship Association was established in November 1916. This association was founded by Min Young-gi, a pro-Japanese collaborator who served as vice president of the Oriental Development Company, with him as chairman. Many prominent pro-Japanese collaborators of the era, including Yi Wan-yong, Jo Jung-eung, Song Byung-jun, and Lee Yun-yong, were members.

Furthermore, records indicate Ahn Sang-ho was among the doctors who saved Yi Wan-yong's life. According to a paper published in Volume 32 of the National Institute of Korean History's Collected Papers on National History, Yi Wan-yong was attacked with a dagger by independence activist Lee Jae-myung at Seoul Myeong-dong Cathedral on December 22, 1909. The assassination attempt failed. Yi Wan-yong survived despite being stabbed three times because he underwent Korea's first thoracic surgery. Among the medical team that treated him was Ahn Sang-ho. Documents record that Ahn Sang-ho, along with Dr. Hakjeon of Hanyang Hospital, Andong Hospital Director, Daehan Hospital Chief Physician and Senior Vice President, and former physician Park Jong-hwan, participated in the treatment that saved Yi Wan-yong's life.

At that time, Lee Jae-myung, arrested for the assassination attempt, was sentenced to death and died for his country on September 30 of the following year.

Additionally, Ahn Sang-ho is also a figure suspected of poisoning Ko Jong (황제).

Moreover, on December 10, 1918, Ahn Sang-ho was featured in an article titled "The Home of Assimilation" (의 가정) — meaning "living like Japanese people and assimilating is exemplary" — in the Daily Shinbo, a newspaper supported by institutional investors. Having married a Japanese wife and established a household, Ahn Sang-ho proudly stated: "I have never worn Korean clothing once, nor can I eat even slightly spicy food," and "My children only speak Japanese at home; they cannot speak Korean at all. We are raising them as complete Japanese families. Only Japanese is spoken in the house, and we have no contact with Koreans." This 'Japanization' was presented proudly. The principle of "one nation, one family" (Naisen Ittai) was the core pro-Japanese logic used by collaborators during the Japanese colonial period to justify their treasonous acts.

Furthermore, it was revealed that Ha Young's grandfather worked as a physician at National Sorokdo Hospital, where human rights violations against Hansen's disease patients occurred. Ha Young's side stated: "Ha Young's father, An Byeong-mun (Director), was confirmed to have been born there during his grandfather's tenure at Sorokdo Hospital."

In response, Ha Young reversed her position within a day. Her agency, Bisters Entertainment, issued an official statement on the 11th: "We have confirmed that records exist showing our great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho was listed as a councilor in the Daetong Friendship Association's roster from 1916."

However, even while her great-grandfather faced widespread criticism for being labeled a traitor, Ha Young's side continued to refer to him as "Seonsaeng" (teacher), creating absurdity. "Seonsaeng" is an honorific term used to address individuals with exceptional scholarly or artistic achievements. Using this title in an official explanation acknowledging treasonous acts cannot be considered appropriate. Consequently, the sincerity of Ha Young's apology is now being questioned.

Ha Young's father, orthopedic specialist An Byeong-mun (Director), appeared in an interview as a "family representative" but ended up proving his family's pro-Japanese ideology. In an interview with Daily Sports reported on the 10th, Ha Young's father stated: "I understand Prince Ui-chin as a historical figure who strongly demonstrated his will to resist Japan. When my grandfather worked at Tokyo Keiwa Medical School, he treated Prince Ui-chin. He was encouraged by the prince to return quickly and serve Korea, which led him to decide on returning home. Since my grandfather always served Prince Ui-chin closely, I did not think he could be involved in pro-Japanese controversies."

However, during this explanation, Ha Young's father claimed: "After the Japan-Korea Annexation, Japanese people organized the Keijō Medical Society and took collective action. Therefore, Ahn Sang-ho gathered Korean physicians in 1915 to independently establish the Hansung Medical Society and served as its first president. This organization later developed into today's Korean Medical Association."

'Japan-Korea Annexation' refers to the event where the Korean Empire was forcibly annexed by the Japanese Empire through the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty (Gyeongseul National Traitor Treaty) on August 29, 1910, resulting in the loss of sovereignty. However, this term 'annexation' is criticized as a euphemism created to soften and justify Japan's aggressive invasion. Proper terms include 'Japan-Korea Forced Annexation,' 'Gyeongseul National Traitor,' or 'Loss of National Rights.'

Moreover, Ha Young's father shocked the public by citing the book "Pioneer of Korean Medicine" by Jeong Gu-chung (Dr.), a figure officially listed in the Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Collaborators, while defending Ahn Sang-ho.

This is truly a farce. Initially, the controversy over Ha Young's great-grandfather spread rapidly after Ha Young boasted on terrestrial variety shows that her family has been doctors for four generations. Ultimately, Ha Young's careless remarks and actions invited this trouble, and even her explanation lacks sincerity, leaving only growing disappointment.

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*This content was translated by AI.