'Independence Activist' Kwak Byeong-do's Great-Granddaughter Kwak Min-seon, "Shooting Down Ha Young for Boasting About 'Pro-Japanese Ancestor'..." [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Announcer Kwak Min-seon recently posted a message that appeared to shoot down Ha Young, who sparked controversy by boasting about her great-great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho's "pro-Japanese activities."

On the 14th, Announcer Kwak Min-seon wrote on her personal account: "Recently, I heard someone in a broadcast proudly claiming their great-great-grandfather. It made me feel deeply sorrowful and choked up. As I grew up, I learned something important: how hard it has been for descendants of meritorious independence activists or independence fighters to live."

The announcer continued, "My great-great-grandfather spent all his family's assets on military funds and continued the independence movement before being imprisoned. Afterward, the remaining family members had their property confiscated and suffered under Japanese colonial surveillance and oppression. I once wondered why my grandfather and grandmother remained such a burden to our father due to poverty when they were young. That thought made me feel guilty, and I cried for a long time because my feelings were different from hers."

She further stated, "My father did his best to ensure that poverty would not be passed down to his two daughters, and we were fortunate enough to grow up happily in love. However, I know that the life we enjoy today was not given to us as a matter of course. With the Liberation Day approaching, I feel a sadness and sense of guilt unlike any other time. Especially, I am ashamed of my past self who carried shame for something wrong. I want to live while deeply engraving in my heart the will that our ancestors sought to protect."

Additionally, Announcer Kwak Min-seon added, "I would like to convey my gratitude to all those who sacrificed and dedicated themselves for the independence of the Republic of Korea."

Announcer Kwak Min-seon is the great-granddaughter of Kwak Byeong-do, who was posthumously awarded the Order of National Merit (Ae-juk) in 2000 as a meritorious figure for the independence of the Republic of Korea.

On the 7th, Ha Young appeared on KBS 2TV's variety program "Problem Children Are Coming!" alongside Jung Hae-in to promote her work, revealing that she comes from a family of doctors for four generations. She stated, "My great-great-grandfather studied Western medicine in Japan and was the first doctor to open a clinic in Hanyang," adding that he even treated "Ko Jong (황제)." Previously, Ha Young had boasted about her family in other broadcasts, but this time, the content she revealed drew attention. After the broadcast, Ahn Sang-ho, identified as Ha Young's great-great-grandfather, came under renewed scrutiny online regarding his past activities, sparking controversy.

Ha Young's great-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 royal physician. Records indicate that he was active in the "Daejeong Friendship Association," an organization with pro-Japanese characteristics during the Japanese colonial period, married a Japanese woman, and lived a Japanese-style life. Additionally, there are accounts describing him as a model family for "Ilseon Dongche" (one body of Japan and Korea), raising controversy over his pro-Japanese activities.

On the 10th, Ha Young's agency responded to the related allegations by stating they were "baseless." However, within a day, the agency reversed its stance, saying, "We confirmed that there is indeed a record showing Ahn Sang-ho's name on the list of council members of the Daejeong Friendship Association in 1916. We sincerely apologize for causing confusion by hastily responding as 'baseless' without sufficient verification."

The agency further added, "Through this incident, we deeply realized how much careful verification is needed 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."

At the time the controversy first erupted, the agency claimed they were unaware of the seriousness and stated it was "baseless," only to reverse their position the next day. As the controversy continued, Ha Young's father gave an interview as the family representative through a media outlet. Through the media, he said, "We are deeply sorry for causing discomfort to many people regarding the controversy over my grandfather's pro-Japanese activities. Especially with the 8.15 Liberation Day approaching, this issue involving important history during the Japanese colonial period has emerged. All family members are taking this controversy very seriously." He also stated, "It weighs heavily on us as descendants that Ahn Sang-ho, Ha Young's great-great-grandfather and A's grandfather, was listed as a council member of the pro-Japanese organization Daejeong Industrial Friendship Association."

However, A explained the relationship between Ahn Sang-ho and Prince Ui-chin: "Prince Ui-chin is known as a historical figure who strongly expressed his will to resist Japan. When my grandfather worked at Tokyo Jai Medical School, he was responsible for treating Prince Ui-chin. He received an invitation from the prince to return quickly to Korea and serve the country, which led him to decide on returning. Furthermore, since my grandfather always served Prince Ui-chin closely, I did not think he 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."

In particular, A's use of the term "Japan-Korea Annexation" became problematic. August 29 is known as Gyeongseul National Shame Day, the day when the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty was forcibly signed and announced. The treaty stipulated that "the sovereignty of the Korean Empire would be transferred to Japan." "Gyeongseul National Shame ()" means national humiliation and is also referred to as "Loss of National Sovereignty ()." In contrast, the Japanese colonial regime used terms like "Japan-Korea Annexation ()" and "Japan-Korea Merger ()" to justify their actions of infringing on Korea's sovereignty.

Late in the afternoon of that day, Ha Young canceled her scheduled interview for Netflix's "Such a Ridiculous Love" set for the 14th. By canceling an already arranged 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 scheduled interview on the same day.

Subsequently, on the 13th, Ha Young personally wrote a handwritten letter and posted an apology message on her personal account. She said, "First of all, I deeply apologize for causing great disappointment and pain to everyone due to matters related to my great-great-grandfather." She bowed her head and added, "I reflect on how I lightly mentioned family history without properly understanding the painful history of our country during the Japanese colonial period."

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*This content was translated by AI.