Newly uncovered land records are adding another layer to the controversy surrounding actress Ha Young‘s great-grandfather, doctor Ahn Sang Ho.
Historical documents from the Japanese colonial period show that Ahn owned a 2,700-pyeong, or roughly 8,900-square-meter, rice field in what is now Geumjeong-dong, Gunpo.
According to the land survey register, the property was located near the Gyeongbu railway line. It marks the first time Ahn’s ownership of land in Gunpo has been confirmed through records identifying a specific parcel.
The land was later divided into several lots and acquired for road and railway use, though it remains unclear whether Ahn’s family received compensation.
The discovery comes as Ahn’s broader wealth and property holdings continue to draw attention. A 1926 Dong-A Ilbo report also referenced a Japanese forest keeper who had worked for 17 years on mountain property owned by Ahn, suggesting he may have held substantial forest land in the Gunpo and Anyang areas as well.
Ahn ran a medical practice in Jongno, Seoul, and later became known as a major landowner around Anyang Station. Records also show that he was involved in a land-related lawsuit in 1923.
Because many of his known properties were located near major transportation or commercial hubs, speculation has emerged over whether he deliberately invested in land positioned to rise in value. However, there is currently not enough evidence to establish when or how those properties were purchased, making it impossible to conclude that the holdings were the result of land speculation.
Meanwhile, Ha Young has returned to the set of her upcoming SBS drama The Long Shot Trial after taking a brief break amid controversy over her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities.
The actress stepped away from filming for about a week after breaking down on set.
News of her return was met with continued criticism online, with commenters writing, “I’m going to boycott this show,” “They’re really pushing ahead without replacing her?” and “They even gave her a week off?”
With more than 90% of filming reportedly already completed and tens of billions of won invested in the production, replacing a lead actor at this stage would likely be difficult.
The production team previously said, “We are taking the recent issue involving a cast member very seriously,” adding that it was “carefully discussing the matter from multiple angles with the production company and other parties involved.”
It remains unclear whether the controversy will ultimately affect the drama’s production or broadcast plans.
>> Ha Young’s Family Assets Not Subject to Seizure Under Pro-Japan Property Law, Attorney Says
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