Actress Ha Young’s Global Rise Amidst Family Controversy and Netflix Success
Actress Ha Young is currently experiencing a meteoric rise in global popularity, evident in her rapidly growing social media presence and the international success of her latest Netflix series, ‘Our Sticky Love’. Despite navigating a sensitive family controversy, the actress has seen an incredible surge in fan interest, solidifying her status as a rising star.
In an impressive display of her burgeoning appeal, Ha Young’s Instagram following has skyrocketed past 1.24 million as of the afternoon of August 19. She gained over 200,000 new followers in just over a week, a remarkable feat given the circumstances. This rapid increase comes despite the ongoing controversy involving her great-grandfather’s alleged pro-Japanese activities during Japan’s colonial rule of Korea. It’s a testament to the complex factors driving her current fame, where both public interest in the controversy and the undeniable success of her work are playing significant roles.
‘Our Sticky Love’ Dominates Netflix Global Charts
The international triumph of ‘Our Sticky Love’ is undoubtedly a major contributor to Ha Young’s increased global recognition. The series, in which she stars alongside Jung Hae In, has captivated audiences worldwide. For the period of August 10 to 16, ‘Our Sticky Love’ recorded an astounding 7.5 million views, securing the coveted No. 1 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV Shows (Non-English) chart. During the same week, it amassed an impressive 88 million hours viewed. After debuting at No. 5, the romantic comedy quickly climbed to the top in its second week, ranking No. 1 in 26 countries, including South Korea, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, and Indonesia.
Released on August 7, ‘Our Sticky Love’ tells the story of Go Eun Sae, a prosecutor who has lost her memory, and Jang Tae Ha, a boxing coach who claims to be her boyfriend. Ha Young shines as Go Eun Sae, delivering a performance that has clearly resonated with international viewers.
Addressing the Controversy: Ha Young’s Handwritten Apology
However, Ha Young’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. The actress came under scrutiny after discussing her family during promotional activities for ‘Our Sticky Love,’ introducing them as a “four-generation family of doctors.” Shortly thereafter, details emerged concerning her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho, and his alleged pro-Japanese activities. Reports indicated that Ahn Sang Ho was listed as a council member of the Daejeong Fellowship Association, a pro-Japanese organization during colonial rule, and was linked to the “Japan and Korea as One” concept in contemporary newspapers.
Addressing the serious allegations, Ha Young posted a heartfelt, handwritten apology on her social media account on August 12. She explained that her previous understanding of her great-grandfather’s life was limited to family narratives and that she had personally researched historical records to learn about his alleged past. Expressing deep regret, she acknowledged her lack of proper understanding of Korea’s colonial history and apologized for proudly discussing her family history without full awareness. Ha Young affirmed that she took her great-grandfather’s actions seriously and offered her apologies as his descendant. Following this controversy, scheduled interviews to promote ‘Our Sticky Love’ were unfortunately canceled. Despite these difficult circumstances, Ha Young’s social media following continued its rapid growth, and ‘Our Sticky Love’ remarkably ascended to the No. 1 spot on Netflix.
Who is Ha Young? A Rising Star’s Impressive Filmography
So, who is this resilient actress capturing global attention? Born Ahn Ha Young on August 11, 1993, Ha Young began her acting career in 2019 with ‘Doctor Prisoner’ on KBS2. Since then, she has built an extensive filmography, including roles in popular dramas like ‘Chocolate,’ ‘Private Lives,’ ‘Mouse,’ ‘Let Me Be Your Knight,’ and ‘Now, We Are Breaking Up.’
In 2022, she made a memorable special appearance as Kim Hwa Young in ENA’s hit series ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ and also featured in JTBC’s ‘The Good Detective 2.’ Her career trajectory continued upwards with a role as Kim Jin Joo in the 2023 Netflix series ‘Doona!’ and appearances in 2024’s ‘O’PENing – The Daughter of an Obsessive Fan’ and ‘Face Me.’
A significant turning point in raising Ha Young’s profile was her role as Chun Jang Mi, a nurse in the severe trauma team, in Netflix’s 2025 series ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.’ Her compelling performance alongside stars like Ju Ji Hoon and Choo Young Woo earned her nominations for Best New Actress in the Television category at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards and Best New Actress at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards. This year, she also made a special appearance in the Netflix series ‘Teach You a Lesson.’ Looking ahead, after ‘Our Sticky Love’, Ha Young is set to star as rookie lawyer Yeo Shim Hee in SBS’s upcoming drama ‘The Long Shot Trial,’ which is currently filming for a planned premiere in the first half of next year.
Ha Young’s ability to navigate public scrutiny while simultaneously achieving significant career milestones speaks volumes about her talent and growing influence. Her story is a compelling blend of artistic success, personal reflection, and an undeniable connection with a global audience eager to witness her next move.
