Actor Ha-young deeply apologized for her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions.
On the 12th, Ha-young apologized on her social media, saying, "I bow my head and apologize for causing great disappointment and hurt due to matters related to my great-grandfather. Recently, upon learning of my great-grandfather An Sang-ho's past actions, I have reflected on my family's history with a heavy heart."
Ha-young said, "I only knew fragments of my great-grandfather's life from stories passed down through my family. Shamefully, in that ignorant state, I brought up stories about my great-grandfather as if they were family pride in several situations," reflecting on her actions, and then bowed her head, saying, "Through this incident, while looking up related materials myself, I came to learn of my great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions. I regret mentioning family history lightly without properly knowing the painful history Korea endured during the Japanese colonial period."
In particular, Ha-young said, "When the controversy first arose, I too, without knowing the facts precisely, had our agency issue a statement denying it as baseless. I believe it was my shortcoming that an incorrect position was communicated without sufficient verification. I sincerely apologize for causing greater confusion and hurt because of this," and she also apologized for the agency's initial "baseless" position.
Ha-young said, "The fact that I did not know cannot be a reason to ignore or take that history lightly. I accept that wrongdoing heavily and, as a descendant, sincerely apologize. With Liberation Day approaching, I am even more remorseful that my shortcomings have caused controversy," and she added, "I will take this matter to heart. I will properly examine my family's history and that era, and going forward I will take a more cautious attitude in dealing with history. I will also do my best to study our history deeply and to serve with respect those independence patriots and all who worked for Korea's liberation and peace. I will put this into action, not just words."
The controversy over Ha-young's great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions arose after KBS2's Problem Child in House aired on the 7th. At the time, Ha-young said she came from a "four-generation medical family," saying her great-grandfather, grandfather, father and older sister all worked in the medical field, and in the process her great-grandfather was identified as An Sang-ho. Through an article published in 1918 in Maeil Sinbo, the Japanese general government's organ, An Sang-ho showed pro-Japanese actions, and the agency initially responded that it was "baseless."
However, a day later the agency said, "After further confirmation, we confirmed that a record actually exists showing that Great-Grandfather An Sang-ho's name appears on the 1916 Daijō Chinmoku-kai councilor list. We sincerely apologize for hastily responding 'baseless' without sufficient verification and causing confusion. Ha-young recently, while answering questions during a broadcast program appearance, mentioned her family's four-generation medical heritage. The actor herself feels very heavy-hearted about unintentionally causing controversy because of this. Our company has deeply realized through this incident how careful verification is needed when conveying historical facts and a person's background to the public. Ha-young also will deeply reflect on causing concern with this incident and will approach things more cautiously and humbly in the future," bowing her head.
Criticism grew over Ha-young's lack of historical awareness and the agency's reversal of position. Especially with the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day fewer than seven days away, many netizens expressed outrage, and the fact that brands that had chosen Ha-young as a model moved to make videos private showed how serious the matter was.
In the end, Ha-young apologized directly and promised to act, not just speak. Though she was noted for The Trauma Code: Heroes on call and Teach You a Lesson, Ha-young, who fell from grace in an instant due to the family controversy, will be watched to see what she shows going forward.
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