'Descendant of a Pro-Japanese Collaborator' Ha Young Controversy Amidst... 'Severe Trauma Center' Season 2 Filming to Proceed in October [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

As writer Lee Nak-jun announced the start of filming for Season 2 of 'Severe Trauma Center' in October, controversy over actor Ha Young's great-grandfather being a pro-Japanese collaborator has resurfaced.

In an episode of KBS 2TV's 'Malja Show' aired on the 24th, Lee Nak-jun, the original web novel author and former otolaryngologist of the Netflix original series 'Severe Trauma Center,' appeared as a guest.

On that day, MC Kim Young-hee mentioned the popular work 'Severe Trauma Center' and asked, "Many people are looking forward to Seasons 2 and 3; when will they be released?" In response, writer Lee Nak-jun confirmed plans for Season 2 production, raising fan expectations by stating, "Pre-production work for Season 2 is complete, and we are currently scouting locations. Filming is expected to begin in October."

Kim Young-hee then asked, "I was greatly impressed by actor Ju Ji-hoon's performance. How did you see it as the original author?" The writer praised Ju Ji-hoon for perfectly embodying the character. He remarked, "Actor Ju Ji-hoon is 188cm tall. Since I am somewhat shorter, having someone 20cm taller than me was a fantasy. Seeing a character set at 188cm in reality appear before me made me think, 'That's the character I created.'"

The writer also shared, "Actor Ju Ji-hoon once treated me to gukbap (rice soup). He ordered an extra-large portion with beef slices and we chatted. His personality was so much like Baek Kang-hyuk in the show that I wondered, 'Can it really be this perfect?'" expressing his high satisfaction with their synergy.

However, despite preparations for a smooth start to Season 2 of 'Severe Trauma Center,' a major obstacle looms ahead: the fatal controversy surrounding Ha Young as a "descendant of a pro-Japanese collaborator."

Previously, during an appearance on a variety show, Ha Young proudly mentioned his family's four-generation legacy in the medical profession. However, after the broadcast, it was revealed that his great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, although Korea's first licensed physician, had served as a councilor of the pro-Japanese organization 'Daejeong Industrial Friendship Association.' This sparked intense criticism. Furthermore, the controversy escalated when it emerged that in an interview with Maeil Shinbo (Daily News) in 1918, Ahn Sang-ho stated, "I am like a Japanese person; I wear Japanese clothing and my wife is Japanese." Additionally, suspicions arose regarding his alleged involvement in the 1919 assassination of Jo Seon (총독), causing the ripple effects to grow exponentially.

Amidst the fierce controversy, on the 10th, Ha Young's agency, Vistars Entertainment, acknowledged that "it is true that his great-grandfather was physician Ahn Sang-ho," but strongly denied the pro-Japanese allegations as baseless.

However, after specific pro-Japanese actions by Ahn Sang-ho were confirmed through historical records, the agency abruptly reversed its stance just one day later on the 11th, bowing to public outrage. The agency stated, "Upon further verification, we confirmed that there is indeed a record showing Ahn Sang-ho's name listed as a councilor of the Daejeong Friendship Association in 1916. We sincerely apologize for causing confusion by hastily responding 'baseless' without sufficient verification."

They added, "The actor himself is deeply troubled by the unintentional controversy," and pledged, "Ha Young will take this matter to heart and approach it with humility."

Subsequently, on the 13th, Ha Young posted a handwritten apology letter on his personal SNS, reiterating his apologies to the public. Notably, director Lee Do-yoon, who is directing 'Severe Trauma Center,' liked Ha Young's apology post, indirectly expressing support.

With Season 2 of 'Severe Trauma Center' set to proceed without Ha Young stepping down despite being labeled a "descendant of a pro-Japanese collaborator," attention now focuses on whether the production, which will begin full-scale filming in October, can overcome public skepticism and sail successfully.

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*This content was translated by AI.