SBS Drama ‘The Long Shot Trial’ Addresses Ha Young Controversy Again
The K-Drama world is abuzz as Actress Ha Young, who has been embroiled in controversy over her great-grandfather’s alleged pro-Japanese activities, has once again drawn an official response from the team behind her upcoming SBS drama ‘The Long Shot Trial.’ The production team said it is taking the matter seriously and carefully reviewing its options from multiple angles regarding how to proceed. As controversy surrounding the actress’s family history continues, attention is also turning to whether the drama will move forward as planned.
Production Team Takes “Serious” Stance on Ha Young’s Status
This isn’t the first time the production team has spoken out, but their latest statement signals a more serious consideration of the situation.
‘The Long Shot Trial’ Issues Another Statement: “We Are Taking the Matter Seriously”
On August 20, a representative of ‘The Long Shot Trial’ told Xports News and other outlets, “We are taking the recent matter involving a cast member very seriously. We are currently discussing the situation carefully from various angles with the production company and other relevant parties.”
The representative added, “We will provide an official announcement through the appropriate channels once a decision has been made.” This indicates that no specific decision regarding Ha Young’s status or the drama’s future has been finalized, with the team promising to announce its plans separately once a conclusion is reached.
This is not the first time the production team has addressed the controversy surrounding Ha Young. Previously, the team acknowledged that a significant portion of filming had already been completed and stated, “We are aware of the matter and are closely monitoring how the situation develops.” While that statement was relatively cautious, the latest announcement has drawn attention for explicitly stating that various possible responses are being carefully considered.
The ongoing situation has also reportedly impacted the set atmosphere. Amid the controversy, reports have also emerged about the atmosphere on set. Ha Young was reportedly unable to contain her emotions during filming and broke down in tears, causing production to be temporarily halted before resuming. Subsequent reports said that, with the production team’s consideration, Ha Young took a week off from filming to recover physically and emotionally before returning to set.
Despite the emotional challenges, Ha Young is reportedly close to completing filming for ‘The Long Shot Trial,’ having finished nearly 90% of her scenes, with the remaining filming expected to wrap up soon. As the controversy surrounding her shows no signs of subsiding, the production team appears to have issued another statement to clarify its position.
About ‘The Long Shot Trial’ and Its Premiere Concerns
The drama itself has garnered attention for its cast and premise, but the current situation casts a shadow over its anticipated release.
‘The Long Shot Trial’ Stars Lee Je Hoon and Ha Young in Legal Mystery Drama
‘The Long Shot Trial’ is a remake of a popular Japanese drama from TV Asahi. The series follows a law office led by Kwon Baek (Lee Je Hoon), a former lawyer turned office manager, as its unconventional team takes on seemingly hopeless cases and finds ways to turn the odds in their favor.
Rather than a traditional courtroom drama, the series has been described as a bright and comedic legal mystery that emphasizes catharsis and humor. The drama is scheduled to premiere on February 26 next year.
Starring the charismatic Lee Je Hoon, fans have been eagerly awaiting his new role. At the center of the story is Kwon Baek, played by Lee Jae Hoon. Once a highly successful star lawyer, he disappeared from the public eye after becoming embroiled in a bribery scandal that cost him his license. He eventually returns as the “office manager” of a shabby law firm he establishes with a ragtag group of colleagues.
Ha Young’s role is crucial to the dynamic of the show. Ha Young plays Yeo Shim Hee, a rookie lawyer who joins the firm. The two characters are said to clash because of their contrasting personalities while forming an unlikely duo as they investigate various cases.
Lee Je Hoon, who has established himself through SBS series such as ‘Taxi Driver,’ will take on the role of a legal professional for the first time since his debut. The drama has also generated anticipation ahead of its premiere with a cast of veteran and supporting actors, along with special appearances.
However, the timing of the drama’s release raises additional concerns. However, both the cast controversy and the timing of the broadcast have become points of concern. ‘The Long Shot Trial’ is scheduled to air in February next year, placing its premiere close to March 1, South Korea’s Independence Movement Day. The circumstances have drawn further attention because the series is a remake of a Japanese drama and one of its lead actresses is facing controversy over her great-grandfather’s alleged pro-Japanese activities during the Japanese colonial period.
There are concerns within the broadcasting industry that if the controversy remains unresolved, the drama could continue to face criticism both before and after its premiere.
The Roots of the Controversy: Ha Young’s Family History
The heart of the issue stems from discussions about Ha Young’s great-grandfather, igniting a significant public debate.
Controversy Over Ha Young’s Great-Grandfather’s Alleged Pro-Japanese Activities
The controversy surrounding Ha Young began after she recently appeared in various YouTube programs and variety shows, where she discussed the medical career of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho. The issue initially stemmed from her mention of her family’s history of having four generations of doctors. Records subsequently surfaced indicating that Ahn Sang Ho served as a council member of the Daejeong Fellowship Society, a pro-Japanese organization during the Japanese colonial period, escalating the issue into a broader controversy over his alleged pro-Japanese activities.
After initial denials, Ha Young issued a heartfelt apology. Ha Young’s side initially denied the allegations as “completely unfounded,” but later revised its position after reviewing additional materials. Ha Young herself also issued a handwritten apology, expressing remorse for having discussed her family history without fully understanding it.
In a handwritten apology posted on August 12, Ha Young stated, “I only knew fragments of my great-grandfather’s life,” adding, “After personally looking into the relevant materials, I learned about my great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities. As his descendant, I sincerely apologize.”
She continued, “I will properly examine my family’s history and the era in which they lived, and I will be more careful in how I approach history going forward. I will continue to study our history in depth and do my utmost to honor and respect those who fought for Korea’s independence and everyone who worked for the liberation and well-being of our country.”
Despite her apology, the public discourse continues. However, the controversy did not easily subside following her apology. Debate continued over the interpretation and factual details surrounding Ahn Sang Ho’s alleged pro-Japanese activities, while the fallout also affected some content and advertisements in which Ha Young had appeared or participated as a model. The issue drew even greater public attention as it emerged shortly before Liberation Day.
As the K-Pop and K-Drama community watches closely, With the controversy surrounding Ha Young continuing to develop, the team behind ‘The Long Shot Trial’ has once again stated that it is carefully reviewing the situation. Attention now turns to the production team’s final decision regarding the actress and the upcoming drama.
