Ha Young’s apology for her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities continues to spark controversy, with directors she has worked with also drawing attention online.
Ha Young posted an apology on social media on August 12th. She acknowledged the pro-Japanese history of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho, and expressed regret for comments she had made out of ignorance. The apology, however, intensified criticism because it appeared to contradict her earlier public statements. Ha Young had previously described her great-grandfather as a source of family pride and dismissed the allegations against him as “groundless.” She later withdrew that claim after evidence about his past was made public.
The controversy grew after directors Lee Do Yoon of the Netflix series The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call and Hong Jong Chan of Teach You a Lesson reportedly “liked” Ha Young’s apology post. Their actions drew criticism from some netizens, who questioned the decision to publicly endorse the apology so close to Liberation Day. Some also viewed the response as too casual given the historical significance of pro-Japanese collaboration during the colonial era.
The controversy has also prompted renewed attention to celebrities whose families fought for Korea’s independence. Many of these descendants have honored their ancestors through commemorative events, historical projects, and other efforts to preserve their legacies.
Yun Joo Bin, the great-grandson of independence activist Yun Bong Gil, is one example. Yoon Bong Gil became a prominent figure in Korea’s independence movement after carrying out a bombing at Hongkou Park in Shanghai in 1932. The attack drew international attention to Korea’s struggle for independence. Yun Joo Bin has continued to participate in commemorative events honoring his great-grandfather. He reflected on his ancestor’s sacrifice at the 100th anniversary of the March 1st Movement and honored the ideals of the independence activists who fought for Korea’s freedom.
The descendants of independence activist Ahn Jung Geun have also continued their family legacy in the entertainment industry. YI CHEN of the group MODYSSEY is a fourth-generation descendant of Ahn Myung Geun, Ahn Jung Geun’s cousin. Before making his debut, Lee spoke about the responsibility he felt as a descendant of Ahn Jung Geun. He also expressed his determination to become a responsible member of society.
Song Il Kook, the great-grandson of independence general Kim Jwa Jin, is another prominent celebrity descendant. Song played Lee Sang Seol, the leader of a Korean delegation that traveled overseas to expose Japan’s invasion of Korea, in the musical HAGUE. He has continued to participate in projects honoring his great-grandfather’s legacy. His activities have included a special reading marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Cheongsanri and a Liberation Day project involving a crossing to Dokdo.
Lee Seo Jin and Kim Ji Seok have also quietly honored their family histories. Lee Seo Jin is the great-grandson of Yi Si Yeong, who devoted his fortune to Korea’s independence movement and later became the first vice president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Kim Ji Seok is the grandson of Kim Seong Il, a disciple of independence leader Kim Koo who participated in armed independence organizations and was imprisoned during the independence movement. Kim Ji Seok has worked to preserve his grandfather’s memory by sharing details about his imprisonment at Seohung Prison and the torture he endured.
Other celebrities have taken a personal interest in learning about their family histories. Singer Chung Ha is the granddaughter of Kim Yong Geun, who opposed Japanese colonial rule and later contributed to Korea’s democratization movement. During a break from her career, Chung Ha studied her grandfather’s life and his role in Korean history. She eventually earned Level 1 certification on the Korean History Proficiency Test, the highest level of the nationally recognized Korean History exam.
Liberation Day is approaching, and interest in Korea’s history is growing. The efforts of these celebrity descendants are receiving renewed attention as they continue to remember and honor their ancestors. Their actions serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Korea’s independence activists and help preserve their legacy for future generations.
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