"Apology, apology, reflection": Ha Young posts apology statement three days after controversy over her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Ha Young issued a direct apology statement three days after controversy erupted over her great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho’s pro-Japanese activities. Her 1,000-character reflection letter was filled with apologies and remorse.

On the 12th, Ha Young posted a handwritten apology on her personal account. She said, "First, I sincerely apologize for causing great disappointment and pain to everyone due to matters related to my great-grandfather. Recently, upon learning about my great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho’s past actions, I have reflected deeply 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 that state of ignorance, I spoke about him at various occasions as if he were a source of pride for our family. Through this incident, while searching for relevant materials myself, I learned of his pro-Japanese activities. I reflect on how I lightly mentioned our family history without properly understanding the painful period of Japanese colonial rule in Korea."

She continued, "When the controversy first arose, I also did not fully understand the facts, and my agency issued a statement claiming the allegations were baseless. I believe this was due to my own shortcomings for allowing an incorrect position to be conveyed without sufficient verification. For causing even greater confusion and pain as a result, I sincerely apologize." She added, "Given how serious and regrettable this matter is, I struggled with how best to convey my apology, which is why my statement was delayed. I offer my deepest apologies once again for this delay."

Ha Young stated, "The fact that I was unaware of these matters cannot be an excuse to ignore or trivialize history. I accept this fault seriously and, as a descendant, sincerely apologize. It is especially regrettable that my shortcomings caused controversy just before the Liberation Day holiday. I will deeply internalize this incident. I will carefully examine our family history and the era it represents, and I will adopt a more cautious attitude toward history moving forward. Furthermore, I will study our history in depth and do my utmost to honor all those who contributed to Korea’s liberation and peace, including independence activists. I will not just speak but act accordingly. Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been troubled by this matter."

On the 7th, Ha Young appeared on KBS 2TV’s variety program "Problem Children Are Here!" alongside Jung Hae-in to promote her upcoming work. During the broadcast, she revealed that her family has been a lineage of doctors for four generations, stating, "My great-grandfather studied Western medicine in Japan and was the first doctor to open a clinic in Hanyang." She also mentioned that he "Ko Jong (황제)" treated patients. Earlier, Ha Young had boasted about her family on other broadcasts. The content she revealed on this program drew attention, and after the broadcast, Ahn Sang-ho, identified as Ha Young’s great-grandfather, was re-examined online for his past activities, sparking controversy.

Ha Young’s great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho graduated from Tokyo Jai Medical School in Japan in 1902, returned to Korea, and taught Western medicine. He is known to have served as a physician for the royal court. Records indicate he was active in "Daejeong Friendship Association," an organization with pro-Japanese characteristics during the Japanese colonial period, and that he married a Japanese woman and lived a Japanese-style lifestyle. Additionally, he was introduced as a model family under the ideology of "Ilseon Dongche" (Japan and Korea as one body), further fueling controversy over his pro-Japanese activities.

On the 10th, Ha Young’s agency initially responded to the allegations by stating they were baseless. However, just one day later, they reversed their position, saying, "We have confirmed that records exist showing Ahn Sang-ho was listed as a council member of the Daejeong Friendship Association in 1916. We sincerely apologize for hastily responding with 'baseless' without sufficient verification, which caused confusion."

They added, "Through this incident, we deeply realized how much careful verification is required when conveying historical facts and an individual’s biography to the public. Ha Young has also taken this matter to heart and will approach future situations with greater caution and humility."

When the controversy first erupted, the agency claimed they were unaware of the severity and stated the allegations were baseless, only to reverse their stance the next day. As the controversy continued, Ha Young’s father gave an interview representing the family through a media outlet. He said via the outlet, "We are deeply sorry for causing discomfort to many people regarding the controversy over my father’s pro-Japanese activities. Especially with the 8.15 Liberation Day approaching and this issue involving important history from the Japanese colonial period, all members of our family are taking this controversy very seriously." He also stated that Ahn Sang-ho, Ha Young’s great-grandfather and A’s grandfather, was listed as a council member of the pro-Japanese organization Daejeong Industrial Friendship Association, adding, "As a descendant, my heart feels heavy."

However, A explained the relationship between Ahn Sang-ho and Prince Uichin, stating, "Prince Uichin is known as a historical figure who strongly demonstrated his will to resist Japan. When my grandfather worked at Tokyo Jai Medical School, he was responsible for treating Prince Uichin. He received an invitation from the prince to return quickly and serve Korea, which led him to decide on returning home. Since he always served Prince Uichin closely, I did not think my grandfather could be involved in pro-Japanese controversies." He continued, "After the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty was signed, Japanese people organized the Keijō Medical Association and took collective action. In response, Ahn Sang-ho gathered Korean doctors in 1915 to independently establish the Hansung Medical Association, serving as its first president. This organization later developed into today’s Korean Medical Association."

Notably, A’s use of the term "Japan-Korea Annexation" during this process became problematic. August 29 marks Gapsul National Shame Day, when the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty was forcibly signed and announced. The treaty stipulated that "the sovereignty of the Korean Empire was ceded to Japan."

"Gapsul National Shame ()" means national humiliation and is also referred to as "Loss of National Sovereignty ()." In contrast, the Japanese imperialists used terms such as "Japan-Korea Annexation ()" and "Japan-Korea Merger ()" to justify their actions in seizing Korea’s sovereignty.

Late that afternoon, Ha Young canceled her scheduled interview for Netflix’s "Such a Ridiculous Love," originally set for the 14th. By canceling the pre-scheduled interview, she missed the opportunity to naturally apologize for her distorted historical awareness and ignorance. Jung Hae-in, who co-starred with Ha Young, also canceled his interview scheduled for the same day due to Ha Young’s situation.

With interest in the "pro-Japanese allegations" controversy growing even more as Liberation Day approaches, attention is now focused on whether Ha Young’s apology can win back public sentiment.

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*This content was translated by AI.