The K-Pop world is often a vibrant, dynamic space, but it’s also one where history and national sentiment play a crucial role. Actress Ha Young is currently at the center of a significant public debate, as allegations concerning her great-grandfather’s alleged pro-Japanese activities during the colonial period continue to escalate. This sensitive issue has led to widespread public scrutiny, prompting a swift reaction from both governmental bodies and major brands.
Unraveling the Controversy: Anyang City and Ahn Sang Ho’s Past
The controversy ignited after Ha Young shared details about her family’s medical lineage on the August 7 episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show ‘Problem Child in House’. Her great-grandfather was subsequently identified as Ahn Sang Ho, a doctor during the Japanese colonial period. This revelation prompted intense public scrutiny into his activities at the time.
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, Anyang City in Gyeonggi Province found itself under fire. The city had previously published an official blog post six years ago, in 2020, celebrating Ahn Sang Ho as an independence activist. This post, written by a citizen reporter to commemorate Korea’s 75th Liberation Day under the theme “Searching for the Independence Activists of Anyang,” was quickly made private on August 11 as the current controversy gained traction. An Anyang City official clarified, stating to Yonhap News Agency, “We understand that Ahn Sang Ho’s pro-Japanese activities were not known to us when the post was published. As the controversy has continued recently, we made the post private.”
Records have since surfaced, intensifying the debate. It’s been claimed that Ahn Sang Ho served as a council member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe in 1916. According to a 2007 paper titled ‘Daejeong Chinmokhoe and the Movement for the Assimilation of Japan and Korea’ by Jang Shin, a standing research fellow at the Institute for Korean Historical Studies, this organization was described by the Police Bureau of the Japanese Government General of Korea in 1927 as “an organization for the assimilation of Japan and Korea that recognizes the governor general’s rule and aims to promote the assimilation of the two peoples.”
Ha Young Addresses the Allegations
Amidst the growing public outcry, Ha Young issued an apology on her Instagram on August 12. In her statement, the actress expressed her commitment to “take this matter deeply to heart.” She pledged to “properly examine my family’s history and the era in which they lived,” promising to “approach history with greater care and responsibility going forward.” She also added her resolve to “continue to study our history in depth and do my best to honor and show respect to the independence activists and everyone who worked for Korea’s liberation and the well being of our country.”
Controversy Deepens, Brands Take Action
Despite Ha Young’s public apology, the controversy shows no signs of subsiding. Fresh claims continue to emerge, further complicating the narrative. Most recently, allegations have surfaced suggesting that Ha Young’s great-grandmother was the daughter of a Japanese military official with connections to the Japanese Government-General of Korea. These new details have added fuel to the already intense debate, drawing further criticism.
The ripple effect of the controversy is already being felt in Ha Young’s professional life. Several prominent organizations and brands that previously collaborated with the actress have begun distancing themselves. Clothing brand ATT, Samsung Electronics, Naver, PROJECT M, and even South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare have reportedly moved to make advertising content featuring Ha Young private. This swift action from major advertisers highlights the serious impact of such historical controversies on public figures in South Korea.
