"Collaborators are actually more family-oriented": Song Il-guk's remarks resurfaced amid controversy over Ha Young's great-grandfather [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

As controversy continues over actress Ha Young's great-grandfather's pro-Japanese collaboration activities, past remarks by actor Song Il-guk, a great-great-grandson of General Kim Jwa-jin, are once again drawing attention.

Song appeared on MBN's "Kim Ju-ha's Day & Night" last May and spoke about living as a descendant of independence activists.

Song's great-great-grandfather was General Kim Jwa-jin, who led the Battle of Cheongsanri to a decisive victory, and his maternal grandfather was Kim Du-han.

He said, "I actually came to understand the meaning of gratitude toward my ancestors only after turning 30. I heard this message so many times it felt like nails were driven into my ears: 'At least do not do anything that would tarnish your grandfather's name.' I didn't engage in any red-line-crossing behavior, but I lacked maturity. Thanks to my mother, I once led university students on a historical expedition to Cheongsanri for 10 years or more, and through that experience, I finally matured."

He continued, "Now that I am a parent to my three children, I find myself telling them, 'You must not tarnish your ancestors' names.' I tell them, 'The moment you make a mistake, five generations could be wiped out.' General Kim Jwa-jin, Grandfather Kim Du-han, Mother Kim Eul-dong, and even my mother who is a public official—our children's names are Daehan, Min-guk, and Manse. My wife opposed this because she felt burdened by the weight of these names."

Song stated, "General Kim Jwa-jin was a hero to the outside world, but as a family head, no one could be more tragic. He disposed of all his property overnight, turned his home into a school, and suddenly left his family homeless on the streets. Then they were forced to flee to Manchuria." He added, "Ironically, pro-Japanese collaborators are often more family-oriented. They received good education. In contrast, descendants of independence activists struggle not only with studies but even with basic survival."

He further explained, "I am an exception, and that is why I believe we must treat descendants of independence activists well. It's a source of pride, yet people only see the grandfather as a hero." He recalled, "One day, my mother-in-law took me to Seoul National Cemetery and asked me to greet her father, who died during the Korean War. She said, 'Even heroes like General Kim Jwa-jin existed, but countless unnamed soldiers also contributed to victory.' I was shocked to realize how much I had forgotten."

He emphasized, "Our country was built through the sacrifices of countless individuals. We should not think only of heroes; we must never forget the sacrifices of those who disappeared without names."

Song Il-guk's remarks have resurfaced amid controversy over Ha Young's great-grandfather's pro-Japanese collaboration activities.

Ha appeared on KBS 2TV's variety show "Problem Children in the Attic" broadcast on the 7th, stating, "My great-grandfather opened Korea's first Yang (Rep.) clinic in Hanyang and treated patients with Ko Jong (황제)." However, following the broadcast, allegations emerged that his great-grandfather was Ahn Sang-ho and had engaged in pro-Japanese activities, sparking controversy.

As the controversy intensified, Ha apologized: "Through this incident, I personally researched relevant materials and learned of my great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions. I deeply regret having casually mentioned our family history without fully understanding Korea's painful past under Japanese colonial rule."

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*This content was translated by AI.