Jung Haein, a direct descendant of Jeong Yak-yong, is energetically promoting the Netflix original "Our Sticky Love" as actress Ha-young, who co-starred with him, is embroiled in controversy over allegations of her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities.
On the 10th, Jung Haein revealed photos taken with co-stars from "Our Sticky Love" and that it had reached No. 1 on Netflix.
On the 7th, Jung Haein presented "Our Sticky Love" with Ha-young. But Ha-young became embroiled in controversy over allegations of her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities. "Our Sticky Love" was released on the 7th. After its release, unexpected controversy erupted when allegations about the past actions of a person reported to be Ha-young's great-grandfather surfaced.
Ha-young has long been known as coming from a "fourth-generation medical family." The controversial figure is Ha-young's great-grandfather An Sang-ho, and her agency on the 10th said, "Ha-young's great-grandfather is indeed An Sang-ho."
An Sang-ho is known to have received specialized medical training in Japan in 1902, obtained qualifications, returned to Korea in 1904 and opened a clinic in Jongno 3-ga. There is also a record that in 1919 he treated Emperor Gojong with Japanese medical staff.
However, based on past Maeil Shinbo articles and others that highlighted Japanese-style living practices at the time, suspicions of pro-Japanese actions were raised. Ha-young's side called the related claims "baseless," saying there are parts that differ from the facts. Still, as past newspaper articles and documentary materials were additionally cited, the controversy has not easily subsided.
Ha-young's grandfather An Bu-ho was also known as a physician. After graduating from Kyungsung Medical School, An Bu-ho served as a professor in the pathology department at Chonnam National University College of Medicine, contributing to the development of clinical pathology in the country, and is said to have worked from 1949 at the National Sorokdo Hospital treating and combating Hansen's disease patients.
However, aside from his grandfather's achievements, as suspicions surrounding the great-grandfather surfaced, the controversy appears to be spreading into a historical issue.
In particular, with the historical fact that Hansen's disease patients were forcibly confined to Sorokdo from the Japanese colonial period and that forced isolation and sterilization surgeries continued after liberation being known, Ha-young's family history intertwined with this history has led to more complex views.
Some argue that criticizing Ha-young for her predecessors' actions is no different from collective punishment. On the other hand, because Ha-young has introduced her medical family background on broadcasts and in interviews, voices say there needs to be awareness of ancestors' historical actions.
Meanwhile, Jung Haein continues his promotional activities for the work. Jung Haein is known as a descendant of Jeong Hak-yu, the second son of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong. In 2022 he participated in recording an audio guide for the Jeong Yak-yong historical site in Joan-myeon, Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, revealing a special connection.
Especially regarding being a direct descendant of Jeong Yak-yong, Jung Haein said, "When I was young I lived with my maternal grandmother and grandfather and heard many stories. I reflected on my ancestor's teachings and footsteps and felt pride," and when asked, "Did you feel you should watch your behavior?" he replied, "I did feel that way," expressing a sense of responsibility in carrying on his ancestor's name.
[photo] OSEN DB, Netflix provided, broadcast capture
[OSEN]