The K-Pop and K-drama world is no stranger to intense public scrutiny, and sometimes, that scrutiny extends beyond current actions to historical family matters. Actress Ha Young‘s father has come forward to address the controversy surrounding their family’s history.
The Roots of the Controversy: Ahn Sang Ho’s Legacy
Recently, Ha Young found herself at the center of a major controversy after her agency confirmed that her great-grandfather was Ahn Sang Ho, a physician who studied Western medicine in Japan and treated Emperor Gojong. This revelation quickly spiraled into a heated debate online given the sensitive nature of the historical period.
The controversy stemmed from the discovery of Ahn Sang Ho’s name on a list of council members of the Daejeong Sileop Chinmokhoe, a pro-Japanese organization. This association immediately raised red flags among the Korean public, given the nation’s painful history under Japanese colonial rule and the strong sentiment against collaborators.
Ha Young’s Father Responds to Allegations
On August 10, KST, the actress’s father, Ahn Byeong Mun, spoke to Ilgan Sports and confirmed that his grandfather’s name appears on the organization’s list of council members. However, he emphasized that he felt “deeply troubled” by it as a descendant, indicating a nuanced perspective on the matter.
Mr. Ahn explained that when the allegations first emerged, he and his family dismissed them as unfounded. This dismissal was based on stories passed down through generations about his grandfather’s close relationship with Prince Uihwa, a historical figure remembered for his strong resolve against Japanese colonial rule. Ahn mentioned that his grandfather served the Prince closely, even deciding to return to Korea after the Prince urged him to come back and serve the nation while he was working at Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine. Given their close association, Ahn admitted he had never imagined his grandfather could be implicated in a controversy over pro-Japanese collaboration.
Addressing another point of contention, Mr. Ahn clarified his grandfather’s marriage to a Japanese woman and his perceived abandonment of the traditional Korean lifestyle. He explained that the marriage came about because Prince Uihwa himself introduced his grandfather to a woman working in Tokyo while the grandfather was staying there. Ahn admitted that he didn’t consider marrying a Japanese woman the same as collaborating with Japanese colonial forces. In fact, his grandfather supposedly insisted to his grandmother that his family remain in Korea and contribute to society.
I have vivid memories of my grandmother from my childhood—always dressed in a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) while caring for her grandchildren and farming the land herself.
— Ahn Byeong Mun
However, Ahn also expressed his willingness to re-examine his grandfather’s life in the context of the country’s history and take responsibility as a descendant accordingly, a statement that shows a willingness to engage with the complex historical narrative.
Public Outcry: Netizens Remain Unconvinced
I have no intention of glorifying my grandfather’s past simply because he is family. I apologize for the concern caused by this controversy, and moving forward, I will study history again with a cautious and humble attitude while reflecting on what my family ought to do.
— Ahn Byeong Mun
This candid confession, however, has failed to appease netizens. The online reaction has been swift and overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing deep skepticism and anger over the explanation. The comments reflect a collective sentiment that the family’s defense falls short of addressing the gravity of the historical accusation.
Here’s a glimpse at some of the comments from Korean netizens, as seen on platforms like Theqoo and Money Today:
“Deep down, they identify as Japanese.”
“Even an ordinary Twitter user could identify them as a pro-Japanese collaborator based on just a few clues. Does it make any sense for their own descendants not to know?”
“Do you really think you could tear down, with your own hands, the life you’ve spent all these years justifying? Enough. Just keep your head down and live quietly.”
“Disgusting.”
“Let’s reclaim the assets of pro-Japanese collaborators.”
The controversy surrounding Ha Young’s family history continues to unfold, highlighting the enduring sensitivity of historical collaboration issues in South Korea and the intense public scrutiny faced by figures in the entertainment industry. The path forward for Ha Young and her family remains uncertain as public sentiment remains firmly against their current explanations.
