Actress Lee Ji-ah has expressed her stance on the controversy regarding her grandfather's collaboration with the Japanese colonial government.
Lee Ji-ah noted through her agency BH Entertainment on the 21st, "I have been cautious and have thought long about this, but I believe it is right to fulfill my responsibility to correct the facts, so I will speak out with courage even though it is difficult. I sincerely apologize for the delay in expressing my position."
He explained regarding the family dispute, "I have not received any financial support from my parents since I became independent at 18, and I'm ashamed to say that it has been more than 10 years since I severed ties with my parents due to complicated family circumstances."
Additionally, regarding the controversy over her grandfather's collaboration, she stated, "My grandfather passed away in the year I turned two, so I have no memory of him and grew up completely unaware of his collaboration activities." She added, "After encountering this fact for the first time through an article in 2011, I visited the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities several times to confirm the accuracy of the information and studied related materials."
She continued, "In the process, I confirmed my grandfather's donation records, and considering the historical context of the time, I believe that such actions cannot be justified under any circumstances." She expressed her belief, saying, "If the land in question located in Anyang was acquired during the Japanese colonial period, it must be returned to the state."
Finally, she emphasized, "I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather in the past, nor have I published promotional articles using my family background. However, subsequent to that, incorrect information spread online and in comments claiming that I said 'I respect my grandfather,' which is not true and I wish to correct it."
She added, "I deeply acknowledge the historical errors of my grandfather, and as a descendant, I sincerely apologize. I will continue to approach the truth of history with humility and live with a sense of responsibility."
Meanwhile, Lee Ji-ah has recently become embroiled in legal disputes among her father's siblings over a land inheritance worth 35 billion won left by her grandfather, who has been classified as a collaborator.
Below is the full statement from Lee Ji-ah.
Hello, this is Lee Ji-ah.
I would like to share my thoughts regarding the recent reports.
I have been cautious and have thought long about this, but I believe it is right to fulfill my responsibility to correct the facts, so I am speaking out with courage even though it is difficult.
I sincerely apologize for the delay in expressing my position.
1. Facts regarding the family dispute
I have not received any financial support from my parents since I became independent at 18, and I'm ashamed to say that it has been more than 10 years since I severed ties with my parents due to complicated family circumstances.
I am completely unaware of and have no involvement in the family property or litigation regarding the land ownership dispute that has led to this controversy.
2. My stance on my grandfather's collaboration controversy
My grandfather passed away in the year I turned two, so I have no memory of him and grew up completely unaware of his collaboration activities.
I first encountered this fact through an article in 2011, and I studied related materials, visiting the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities several times to confirm its accuracy.
In that process, I confirmed my grandfather's donation records, and I believe that such actions cannot be justified under any circumstances, given the historical context of that time.
Furthermore, if the land in question located in Anyang was acquired during the Japanese colonial period, it must be returned to the state.
3. Final remarks
I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather in the past, nor have I published promotional articles using my family background.
However, subsequent to that, incorrect information spread online and in comments claiming that I said 'I respect my grandfather,' which is not true, and I wish to correct it.
Lastly, I deeply acknowledge the historical errors of my grandfather, and as a descendant, I sincerely apologize. I will continue to approach the truth of history with humility and live with a sense of responsibility.
Thank you.
Best regards, Lee Ji-ah.
/mk3244@osen.co.kr
[OSEN=Reporter Ji Min-kyung]