Will actor Lee Je-hoon's next projects be released without incident? Two of his upcoming projects are facing difficulties due to controversies involving co-stars.
Lee Je-hoon is currently filming SBS's new drama "승산있습니다" with actress Ha-young. "승산있습니다" is a cheerful, comedic legal detective story about a ragtag law office led by former lawyer-turned-office manager Kwon Baek that, in a way the world has never seen, turns unwinnable fights into winnable ones and is scheduled to air in the first half of 2027.
However, it was recently revealed that Ha-young's great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, worked as a doctor during the Japanese colonial period, and some have raised suspicions of pro-Japanese activities after articles in the Chosun Governor-General's organ Maeil Sinbo highlighting Japanese-style ways of life by Ahn Sang-ho were cited.
In response, Ha-young's side said it is true that the great-grandfather was Ahn Sang-ho, but that the past activity allegations are "groundless." However, as past newspaper articles and documentary materials were additionally cited, the controversy continued.
On the 11th, Ha-young's agency Visters Entertainment said, "Regarding recent reports about actress Ha-young's family history, we would like to explain our position. The part we previously said was 'groundless' has, after additional verification, been confirmed to have an actual record showing that great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho's name appears on the 1916 Daijeong Chinmokhoe council member list."
They added, "We sincerely apologize for causing confusion by hastily answering that it was 'groundless' without sufficient verification," and explained, "While appearing on a recent broadcast program and answering questions, actress Ha-young mentioned her family's four-generation medical lineage. The actress herself feels very heavy-hearted about unintentionally causing this controversy."
The agency continued, "Through this matter we have come to deeply understand how careful verification is needed when conveying historical facts and an individual's background to the public," and added, "Actress Ha-young also deeply reflects on causing concern through this matter and will approach things more cautiously and humbly going forward."
With Ha-young's side acknowledging the related allegations, attention has turned to whether the release of the upcoming '승산있습니다' will proceed. Although it is scheduled to air next year and there is still time for scheduling, the family controversy surrounding a lead actor is not expected to die down easily, drawing close attention.
In response, SBS's "승산 있습니다" team said, "A significant portion of the production has already been filmed, and we are unable to comment on the volume of footage or specific progress."
Regarding the pro-Japanese controversy surrounding Ha-young's great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho, they said, "We are aware of the matter and are closely monitoring the situation's developments. We will report any consolidated details later," expressing a cautious response.
In particular, Lee Je-hoon's other drama that finished filming, The Second Signal, also became uncertain for release timing after lead actor Cho Jin-woong retired amid controversy over juvenile offender remarks. With controversies continuing around the lead actor in the currently filming drama "승산있습니다" as well, Lee Je-hoon's upcoming projects have consecutively been hit by fallout.<
[Photo] OSEN DB, tvN, SBS
[OSEN]