Actor Ha-young's side has expressed a position regarding allegations about her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions.
Ha-young's agency, VASTERS Entertainment, said on the 11th, "We would like to address the part we previously said was 'groundless.' After additional verification, we confirmed that a record actually exists showing that great-grandfather An Sang-ho's name appears on the 1916 list of council members of the Taisho Friendship Association. We sincerely apologize for causing confusion by hastily responding that it was 'groundless' without sufficient verification."
They added, "Ha-young, while answering questions during a recent television program appearance, mentioned her family's four-generation medical practice history. The actor herself feels very heavy-hearted that this unintentionally caused controversy."
Ha-young's side said, "Through this incident we have deeply realized how careful verification is required when conveying historical facts and one person's background to the public," and added, "Ha-young too will deeply reflect on causing concern through this matter and will approach things more cautiously and humbly going forward."
Meanwhile, Ha-young recently said on KBS2 Problem Child in House that her great-grandfather, after studying in Japan, opened the first Western-style hospital in Hanyang and was a person who also treated Emperor Gojong.
Ha-young's great-grandfather was confirmed to be An Sang-ho. An Sang-ho entered Tokyo Jikei Medical School in 1898, passed the medical practice licensing exam in 1902, returned to Korea afterward, and is known to have treated Emperor Gojong alongside a Japanese doctor when Gojong collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1919. However, a 1918 article in Maeil Shinbo, the organ of the Japanese general government, raised suspicions of pro-Japanese actions, saying An Sang-ho, after marrying a Japanese wife, followed Japanese-style ways of life.
below is Ha-young's side's full statement
Hello, this is VASTERS Entertainment.
We convey our agency's position regarding the recently reported family history of actor Ha-young.
First, we would like to address the part we previously said was 'groundless.' After additional verification, we confirmed that a record actually exists showing that great-grandfather An Sang-ho's name appears on the 1916 list of council members of the Taisho Friendship Association. We sincerely apologize for causing confusion by hastily responding that it was 'groundless' without sufficient verification.
While appearing on a recent television program, actor Ha-young mentioned her family's four-generation medical practice history. The actor herself feels very heavy-hearted that this unintentionally caused controversy.
Through this incident we have deeply realized how careful verification is required when conveying historical facts and one person's background to the public.
Actor Ha-young too will deeply reflect on causing concern through this matter and will approach things more cautiously and humbly going forward. Thank you.<
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