Ha Young’s apology over her great-grandfather’s alleged pro-Japanese activities has passed its 36th day, but the controversy continues to have repercussions.
The controversy began after Ha Young discussed her family’s four-generation medical legacy on a variety show, mentioning that her great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and sister are all doctors. Following the broadcast, speculation emerged that her great-grandfather was Ahn Sang Ho, who was documented as a standing committee member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe in 1916 and had demonstrated pro-Japanese activities.
Ha Young’s agency initially dismissed the claims as “groundless,” but later confirmed the historical records and apologized for responding without sufficient verification. Ha Young subsequently issued a handwritten apology, expressing remorse for not knowing more about her family’s history and pledging to study the period more carefully and honor those who fought for Korea’s liberation through her actions.
The controversy, which surfaced shortly before the 81st Liberation Day, has continued to affect Ha Young’s entertainment career. Several brands have made her advertisements private, while programs she previously appeared on have also taken measures, including restricting access to past episodes. Ha Young additionally withdrew from filming Netflix’s The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call Season 2, while the production team behind SBS’s upcoming drama The Long Shot Trial is reportedly monitoring the situation.
Amid the ongoing fallout, OSEN reported that Panasonic has also made Ha Young’s advertisements private, more than a month after her apology.
This brings the total number of advertisements that have been made private following the controversy to six. Previously, clothing brand Artid, home appliance brand Samsung Electronics, shopping brand Naver Plus Store, and clothing brand Project M had all made Ha Young’s advertisements private. Including a public service advertisement for the National Medical Center, this makes it a total of seven.
The latest move comes as Ha Young’s apology enters its 36th day, with attention remaining on how the actress will follow through on her pledge to learn more about her family’s history and honor those who contributed to Korea’s liberation.
>> Ha Young Faces Further Fallout as Panasonic Makes Ads Featuring Her Private
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