"Matchmaker Involved in Empress Myeongseong Assassination": Pro-Japanese Connections Spark Controversy

As controversies continue to surround Ahn Sang-ho, the great-grandfather of actor Ha-young, his social network during his stay in Japan has been reexamined, drawing criticism among netizens.

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

Goo Yeon-soo is recorded as a Korean 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 into the sleeping quarters of Empress Myeongseong in Gyeongbokgung Palace and oversaw the atrocity of pouring oil on her body and burning it.

He later crossed over to Japan to live in exile and, following his return to Korea, reportedly served as a council member of Iljinhoe and held government posts.

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

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

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

An 1985 publication related to medical history notes that Kawaguchi entered Joseon in 1907 ahead of Ahn Sang-ho and stayed at Goo Yeon-soo's residence at the time.

Previously, Ha-young's father explained regarding the background of Ahn Sang-ho's marriage to a Japanese woman, stating, "I understand that while Imperial Prince Yi Kang was staying in Tokyo, he introduced a woman working there, which led to their marriage," conveying the stance that he had never connected the marriage to a Japanese woman itself with pro-Japanese activities.

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

Netizens who came across the reports reacted with fierce criticism, leaving comments such as "This is being dug up like crazy" and "At this level, it is grounds for expulsion from the entertainment industry."

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