Actor Ha-young's Agency Apologizes, Confirming Great-Grandfather Listed in Pro-Japanese Organization

As actor Ha-young became embroiled in controversy over her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities, her agency apologized for its hasty initial response and reversed its official stance.

On August 11, her agency, Vistor Entertainment, released an official statement regarding the suspicions surrounding Ha-young's late great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, stating, "We are sharing our position regarding the family history of actor Ha-young recently reported in the media."

The agency bowed its head in apology, stating, "As a result of additional checks regarding our previous statement that it was 'groundless,' we confirmed that records actually exist showing that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, was listed as a councillor for the Daejeong Chinmokhoe in 1916. We sincerely apologize for causing confusion by hastily responding that it was 'groundless' without sufficient verification."

Previously, Ha-young appeared on an entertainment program and drew attention by revealing her family's four-generation medical background, saying, "My great-grandfather studied medicine in Japan and was the first Western-style doctor to open a practice in Korea, and he even treated Emperor Gojong."

However, immediately after the broadcast, it was revealed that her great-grandfather was Ahn Sang-ho, the first Korean to obtain a Japanese medical license during the Japanese colonial period, sparking suspicions surrounding his past activities. A 1918 interview from the Japanese colonial newspaper Maeil Shinbo, in which he emphasized his Japanese-style lifestyle by saying, "I am just like a Japanese person. I don't wear a single Korean garment and cannot eat spicy food," was brought back into the spotlight. Furthermore, suspicions regarding his involvement in the alleged poisoning plot surrounding the death of Emperor Gojong in 1919 and his activities in the pro-Japanese organization "Daejeong Chinmokhoe" came to light, causing the controversy to spread rapidly.

The agency stated, "While responding to a question during her recent appearance on a broadcast program, Ha-young mentioned her family's four-generation medical heritage. The actor herself is carrying a very heavy heart regarding the unintended controversy that arose from this."

They added, "Through this incident, our agency has deeply realized how much careful verification is required when conveying historical facts and an individual's background to the public. Ha-young also deeply notes the concern caused by this incident and will approach her work with a more cautious and humble attitude moving forward."

While some views suggest that Ha-young's great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities cannot be definitively concluded as he is not listed in the Center for Research on National Issues' Biographical Dictionary of Japanese Collaborators, criticisms continue that the agency's hasty denial and reversal of its stance only fueled the controversy.

As Ha-young faces an unexpected hurdle while continuing her rising career path following the recent release of the new Netflix series This Messy Love, attention is focused on her future steps and the public's perspective.

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.