[Full Text] Ha Young Apologizes for Great-Grandfather's "Collaboration with Japan" Controversy: "I Am Sorry for My Shortcomings"

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Ha Young apologized regarding the controversy over her great-grandfather Ahn Seong-ho's collaboration with Japan.

On the 12th, Ha Young stated on her Instagram: "First, I sincerely bow my head to apologize for causing great disappointment and hurt due to matters related to my great-grandfather. Recently, upon learning about the past actions of my great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho, I have reflected on our family history with a heavy heart."

She continued, "I only knew fragments of my great-grandfather's life through stories passed down within the family. Regrettably, in my ignorance, I have brought up stories about him at various occasions as if they were family pride."

She added, "Through this incident, while personally searching for relevant materials, I learned of my great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities. I reflect on having lightly mentioned our family history without properly understanding the painful period of Japanese colonial rule in Korea's history."

Furthermore, she said, "At that time, due to my own lack of accurate knowledge about the facts, my agency issued a statement claiming the allegations were baseless. I believe this was also a result of my shortcomings for allowing an incorrect stance to be conveyed without sufficient verification. For causing even greater confusion and hurt as a result, I sincerely apologize."

Previously, Ha Young appeared on KBS 2TV's variety program 'Problem Children in the Attic,' introducing herself as coming from a four-generation family of doctors starting with her great-grandfather, which sparked controversy. After it was revealed that her great-grandfather was a doctor named Ahn Sang-ho, criticism poured out regarding his pro-Japanese activities.

This is Ha Young.

First, I sincerely bow my head to apologize for causing great disappointment and hurt due to matters related to my great-grandfather. Recently, upon learning about the past actions of my great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho, I have reflected on our family history with a heavy heart.

Until now, I only knew fragments of my great-grandfather's life through stories passed down within the family. Regrettably, in my ignorance, I have brought up stories about him at various occasions as if they were family pride.

Through this incident, while personally searching for relevant materials, I learned of my great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities. I reflect on having lightly mentioned our family history without properly understanding the painful period of Japanese colonial rule in Korea's history.

Additionally, when the controversy first arose, due to my own lack of accurate knowledge about the facts, my agency issued a statement claiming the allegations were baseless. I believe this was also a result of my shortcomings for allowing an incorrect stance to be conveyed without sufficient verification. For causing even greater confusion and hurt as a result, I sincerely apologize.

I also repeatedly apologize for the delay in issuing this statement, as I struggled with how best to convey my apology given the gravity and remorsefulness of the matter.

The fact that I was unaware does not justify ignoring or treating lightly this history. I accept this fault seriously and, as a descendant, offer my sincere apologies. It is especially regrettable that my shortcomings have caused controversy just before the anniversary of Korea's Liberation Day.

I will deeply internalize this incident. I will carefully examine our family history and that era, and adopt an even more cautious attitude toward history moving forward. Furthermore, I will strive to study our history in depth and dedicate myself to honoring all those who contributed to Korea's independence and peace, including the meritorious figures of the independence movement. I will put this into action, not just words.

Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been troubled by this matter.

Ha Young

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*This content was translated by AI.