Hayoung Issues Handwritten Apology Over Pro-Japanese Ancestor Controversy: "I Feel Ashamed and Was Ignorant"

Actress Hayoung, who became embroiled in controversy following allegations regarding her great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho's pro-Japanese activities, has released a handwritten apology letter and bowed her head.

On the 12th, Hayoung posted a handwritten apology on her personal social media, stating, "I bow my head and apologize for causing deep disappointment and hurt through matters related to my great-grandfather."

She continued, "Until now, I only knew about my great-grandfather's life in a fragmented way through stories passed down by my family. Shamefully, in that ignorant state, I often brought up stories about my great-grandfather in various settings as if it were a matter of family pride. While personally looking for related materials, I learned of my great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities. I deeply reflect on having casually mentioned my family history without properly knowing the history of our country, which endured the painful time of the Japanese colonial period."

Previously, Hayoung appeared on a TV show and drew attention by revealing her four-generation family background in medicine, stating, "My great-grandfather learned medicine in Japan, became the first Western medical doctor to open a practice in Korea, and 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 controversy surrounding his past activities. Backlash erupted as facts came to light, including Ahn Sang-ho stating in an interview with a Japanese institutional magazine that "I am the same as a Japanese person," emphasizing a Japanese lifestyle, along with his history of activities in the pro-Japanese organization "Daejeong Chinmokhoe."

At the time of the initial controversy, her agency explained that the claims were "groundless," but after records of Ahn Sang-ho's name on the Daejeong Chinmokhoe council member list were confirmed, they reversed their position and apologized.

Regarding this, Hayoung apologized for her hasty initial response, stating, "Because I did not accurately know the facts, a statement declaring the claims groundless was issued through my agency, causing even greater confusion."

She repeatedly expressed her apology, stating, "I do not think the fact that I did not know can be a reason to turn away from or treat that history lightly. I accept that fault heavily and sincerely apologize as his descendant. I feel all the more apologetic for causing a stir through my shortcomings at a time ahead of National Liberation Day." Hayoung promised, "I will engrave this incident deeply in my heart. I will properly examine my family history and that era, and adopt a much more cautious attitude toward history moving forward. Furthermore, I will deeply study our history and do my utmost to serve with a heart of respect for independence activists and everyone who worked hard for our country's liberation and well-being. I will put this into practice through actions, not just words."

Meanwhile, Hayoung, who solidified her status as a rising star by appearing in dramas such as "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" and "Teach You a Lesson," recently released the Netflix series "Our Sticky Love." However, she is facing severe backlash due to this controversy, having canceled scheduled interviews and having promotional videos in which she acts as a model converted to private.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)