Actress Ha Young, known to many K-Pop fans for her versatile work, has unexpectedly found herself at the center of a heated debate. What began as a heartwarming revelation about her prestigious family background quickly escalated into a complex discussion involving historical allegations against her great-grandfather.
The Revelation: Four Generations of Medical Excellence
The controversy ignited after Ha Young’s recent appearance on KBS2’s “Problem Child in House” on August 7. During the broadcast, the actress proudly shared details of her impressive family history, revealing that she comes from a lineage of doctors spanning four generations. She mentioned that her father and older sister are both physicians, while her mother previously worked as a nurse. Ha Young spoke with particular pride about her great-grandfather’s distinguished medical career.
Ahn Sang Ho: Royal Physician to Colonial Controversy
On August 10, Ha Young’s agency confirmed the identity of the revered relative: her great-grandfather was indeed Ahn Sang Ho. Although Ha Young did not name him during the broadcast, netizens subsequently speculated that the relative in question was Ahn Sang Ho. Her agency has now confirmed their relationship.
Ahn Sang Ho was a physician who studied Western medicine in Japan, entering a medical school in Tokyo in 1898 and passing his medical examination in 1902. He later returned to Korea, where he established a hospital and reportedly treated members of the royal family. Notably, he was among the physicians said to have attended to Emperor Gojong when the emperor collapsed in 1919.
“From what I remember, I was told that my great-grandfather was one of the first people to open a clinic specializing in Western medicine in Hanyang. After studying medicine in Japan, he opened one of the first Western medical clinics in Hanyang and treated Emperor Gojong.”
Allegations of Pro-Japanese Activities Emerge
However, this renewed public attention surrounding Ahn Sang Ho quickly prompted netizens to delve deeper into records concerning his life, particularly during the Japanese colonial period. This scrutiny has led to serious allegations of possible pro-Japanese activities. Among the circulating materials is a 1918 article from the Japanese colonial government’s newspaper, Maeil Sinbo. This article reportedly discusses Ahn’s marriage to a Japanese woman and details aspects of his household, including reports that he had adopted Japanese-style clothing and eating habits. Another record purportedly states that he was registered as a member in a pro-Japanese community.
Agency’s Response & Historical Context
These unearthed records have sparked a fierce debate online, questioning whether Ha Young’s celebrated “elite family” history carries a more controversial side. Ha Young’s agency has acknowledged the controversy, but has also cautioned the public, stating that some information currently circulating online about Ahn Sang Ho is inaccurate. The agency, however, did not specify which particular claims it disputes. It’s crucial to remember that historical accounts of individual statements or lifestyle choices alone do not necessarily establish pro-Japanese collaboration. Ahn’s activities would need to be assessed based on broader historical records rather than relying solely on viral claims.
The swift turn of events has transformed what was initially a heartwarming revelation about Ha Young’s ancestral pride into a complex and heated discussion over her great-grandfather’s history, leaving many fans grappling with the newly revealed layers of this unexpected controversy.
