Ha Young has issued a personal apology over the controversy surrounding her great-grandfather’s alleged pro-Japanese activities during the Japanese colonial period.
Ha Young posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on August 12th, saying, “First, I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and pain due to the issues surrounding my great-grandfather.”
She explained that she only knew limited information about her great-grandfather through stories from her family and admitted that she had spoken about him as a source of family pride without fully understanding the historical background.
“I personally looked into related materials and learned about my great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities after this controversy arose,” Ha Young wrote. “I deeply regret speaking about my family history without properly understanding the painful history our country experienced during the Japanese colonial period.”
Ha Young also addressed the initial response from her agency, which denied the allegations as “groundless” before changing its position the following day.
“I also shared the statement that the allegations were ‘groundless’ through my agency without knowing the full facts,” she said. “I believe it was my responsibility that inaccurate information was delivered without proper verification. I sincerely apologize for causing further confusion and hurt.”
Regarding the timing of her apology, Ha Young said she took time to carefully consider how to express her thoughts because of the seriousness of the issue.
“I understand that not knowing about the past does not excuse ignoring or taking history lightly,” she stated. “I accept my mistakes and sincerely apologize as a descendant.”
She also expressed regret for causing concern shortly before Korea’s Liberation Day, promising to learn more about her family history and approach history with greater responsibility in the future.
“I will deeply reflect on this incident and study our history more carefully,” Ha Young said. “I will do my best to honor those who sacrificed for Korea’s independence and contribute through actions, not just words.”
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She ended her statement by once again apologizing to everyone affected by the controversy.
The controversy began after Ha Young appeared on KBS2’s Problem Child in House on August 7th, where she talked about her family’s medical background spanning four generations. She mentioned that her great-grandfather studied medicine in Japan, opened a Western-style clinic in Hanyang (modern-day Seoul), and treated King Gojong.
The controversy began after records from 1916 resurfaced showing that Ha Young’s great-grandfather, modern doctor Ahn Sang Ho, was listed as a standing member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe, an organization linked to pro-Japanese activities.
The replay service for Ha Young’s appearance on Problem Child in House has now been suspended. Promotional activities for Netflix’s Our Sticky Love, starring Ha Young and Jung Hae In, were also affected, with scheduled interviews canceled and some advertisements featuring Ha Young made private.
>> Ha Young Controversy Affects Jung Hae In, Lee Je Hoon and Upcoming Dramas
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
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