Grandfather Married Through Accomplice to Empress Myeongseong's Assassination... Actor Ha-young Faces Pro-Japanese Ties Controversy

Amid ongoing controversy over actor Ha-young's great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, and his pro-Japanese activities, his social network during his stay in Japan has been re-examined, drawing fierce criticism from netizens.

Media reports have emerged that Goo Yeon-su, a designated "pro-Japanese anti-nationalist," acted as the matchmaker for the marriage between Ahn Sang-ho and his Japanese wife, Kawaguchi Isoko.

Goo Yeon-su is recorded as a Korean individual who entered the royal palace alongside Japanese individuals to participate in the assassination of Empress Myeongseong during the Eulmi Incident in 1895.

At the time, he guided Japanese ruffians to the bedchamber of Empress Myeongseong in Gyeongbokgung Palace and oversaw the atrocities of pouring petroleum on her body and burning it.

He subsequently fled to Japan for a life of exile and, upon returning to Korea, served as a council member of the Iljinhoe and held government posts, according to reports.

According to a 2007 paper published in the Journal of Korean Independence Movement History, Ahn Sang-ho frequented the Tokyo residence of Imperial Prince Yi Kang, where he met Kawaguchi Isoko, who worked there.

Records show that Goo Yeon-su, who was living in exile in Japan at the time, introduced the two, leading to their marriage.

Goo Yeon-su's name appears once again in the process of Ahn Sang-ho and Kawaguchi returning to Korea.

Medical literature published in 1985 contains details that Kawaguchi entered Korea ahead of Ahn Sang-ho in 1907 and stayed at Goo Yeon-su's residence at the time.

Previously, Ha-young's father explained regarding the background of the marriage between Ahn Sang-ho and the Japanese woman, stating, "As far as I know, Imperial Prince Yi Kang, while staying in Tokyo, introduced a woman working there, which led to their marriage," adding that he had never thought to connect the marriage to a Japanese woman with pro-Japanese activities.

However, regarding records indicating that Goo Yeon-su, rather than Imperial Prince Yi Kang, was involved in the marriage process, Ha-young's side stated, "It is difficult to verify at this moment."

Netizens who encountered the reports reacted with intense criticism, leaving comments such as, "This is being dug up like Exhuma," and "This level is enough for expulsion from the entertainment industry."

(Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Kim Hye-ju | Graphics by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.