"Go to the Independence Hall"... Lawyer Lee In-cheol mentions restitution of pro-Japanese collaborators' assets amid controversy over Ha Young's "pro-Japanese" past [StarNews]

*This content was translated by AI.

As controversies surrounding actress Ha Young's family regarding pro-Japanese collaboration continue to unfold daily, lawyer Lee In-cheol, known as a descendant of an independence activist, delivered a sharp rebuke.

Speaking on MBN's "The Punch" broadcast on the 13th, Lawyer Lee addressed the controversy over Ha Young's great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities: "I have no intention of personally criticizing Ha Young. She herself did not engage in pro-Japanese actions. However, there is one thing I must emphasize." He then referenced the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai.

He continued, "It is located in a very small building in Shanghai. When I went there, I was moved to tears. I realized how much our independence activists endured in such places. If you shed tears there, you are a patriot. Please visit the Independence Hall at least once on Liberation Day." His voice grew emotional, and his eyes welled up with tears.

Recently, Ha Young proudly revealed on KBS 2TV's "Problem Children in High School" and other programs that she comes from a family of doctors spanning four generations. She stated, "My great-grandfather was among the first to introduce Western medicine in Hanyang at the time," adding, "After studying medicine in Japan, he opened Korea's first clinic in Hanyang and treated patients."

However, following revelations that Ha Young's great-grandfather was Dr. Ahn Sang-ho, a physician active during the Japanese colonial period, suspicions of pro-Japanese collaboration arose. The controversy has since expanded to include her grandfather An Bu-ho (Prof.)'s employment history at Sorokdo Hospital, with ongoing allegations of pro-Japanese ties within her family.

Ultimately, Ha Young issued an apology via her personal social media: "The fact that I was unaware does not justify ignoring or trivializing this history. I deeply accept this fault and sincerely apologize as a descendant. It is especially regrettable that my shortcomings have caused controversy just before Liberation Day."

Despite this, criticism surrounding her and allegations of pro-Japanese family ties continue to intensify. Lawyer Lee In-cheol also stated, "Descendants of pro-Japanese collaborators enjoy special privileges. They live comfortably and exceptionally well. Seeing this, one must ask whether justice still exists. To restore justice, we must address this issue without fail," pointing to the need for restitution of assets from pro-Japanese families.

Lawyer Lee In-cheol is known as the great-grandson of independence activist Song Gi-ju.

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*This content was translated by AI.