Actor Jung Hae In will not be attending the press screening of the animated film ‘Gills,’ sparking immediate speculation within the K-Pop and K-Drama fan community. While many initially linked his absence to the ongoing controversy surrounding actress Ha Young’s great-grandfather and alleged pro-Japanese activities, both Jung Hae In’s agency and the film’s distributor have quickly clarified that the two matters are entirely unrelated.
Jung Hae In Confirmed Absent from ‘Gills’ Press Event
According to the team behind director Ahn Jae Hoon’s animated film ‘Gills’ on August 17, Jung Hae In will not attend the press screening and press conference scheduled for August 26 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. Jung Hae In lends his voice to Gon, the central character in the film, making his absence a notable point for fans.
After news broke that Jung Hae In was missing from the official attendee list, attention quickly turned to the reason behind his non-attendance. Director Ahn Jae Hoon and fellow voice actors Kang Ha Neul, Yoo Jae Myung, and Kim Sun Young are still expected to be present at the event. Actress Lee Chung Ah is also reportedly unable to attend the screening.
Distributor & Agency Address Ha Young Controversy Rumors
A representative from distributor At Nine Film spoke to K Star News on August 17, stating unequivocally that Jung Hae In’s inability to attend the screening “is not because of the controversy surrounding actress Ha Young that is currently being reported.”
The representative further elaborated, explaining, “Jung Hae In already has a drama filming schedule that makes it difficult for him to attend.” They emphasized, “This scheduling issue had already been discussed two to three weeks ago, so it has absolutely nothing to do with the controversy that emerged recently.”
Jung Hae In’s agency, FNC Entertainment, echoed this sentiment in a similar statement released to MK Sports. “Jung Hae In is unable to attend because a previously scheduled filming commitment overlaps with the screening,” the agency clarified, putting an end to the swirling rumors.
Why Was Ha Young’s Controversy Linked to Jung Hae In’s Absence?
The speculation surrounding Jung Hae In’s absence from the ‘Gills’ event appears to have stemmed from the recent cancellation of promotional activities for the Netflix series ‘Our Sticky Love.’ Jung Hae In and Ha Young star together in this upcoming series, but a promotional interview scheduled for August 14 was abruptly canceled following the initial reports and controversy surrounding Ha Young’s great-grandfather. Jung Hae In’s own interview schedule for the series was also canceled as a direct result.
With Jung Hae In subsequently confirmed to be absent from the ‘Gills’ screening, the timing led to heightened speculation that the widely reported Ha Young controversy might be affecting his other promotional activities.
The controversy began after Ha Young appeared on KBS2’s ‘Problem Child in House’ and openly discussed her family background. During the broadcast, she mentioned that her great-grandfather had opened the very first Western medical clinic in Hanyang and had even provided treatment to Emperor Gojong.
These remarks quickly drew public attention, but claims subsequently circulated online identifying her great-grandfather as Ahn Sang Ho, a physician who has faced serious allegations of pro-Japanese activities during the colonial era.
Ahn Sang Ho is known to have studied Western medicine in Tokyo, Japan, before returning to Korea and opening what was described as the first Western-style hospital established by a Korean. However, the controversy intensified significantly after records were discovered listing his name among the council members of the Daehwa Friendship Association in 1916. This organization was a well-known pro-Japanese group primarily composed of members of Korea’s upper class, making the revelation a serious blow to public perception.
Ha Young’s representatives initially denied these allegations, but later reversed their position, confirming that they had indeed verified her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities and subsequently issuing an official apology to the public.
Ha Young herself also posted a deeply personal handwritten apology, expressing that she took her great-grandfather’s actions very seriously and apologized as his descendant. Her heartfelt statement included an apology “for causing great disappointment and hurt through matters related to my great-grandfather.”
Despite the swift apologies, public sentiment has not easily subsided following the revelations. The controversy has also placed other prominent figures in difficult positions, including the cast of the drama ‘You Are My Love,’ which was unveiled earlier this month, as well as actor Lee Je Hoon, who is set to work with Ha Young on her upcoming project.
All About the Animated Film ‘Gills’
‘Gills’ is an anticipated animated adaptation of novelist Koo Byung Mo’s novel of the same name. The film was produced by Pencil in Meditation and is being distributed by At Nine Film. Director Ahn Jae Hoon, known for his previous works like ‘The Dream of a Precious Day’ and ‘The Life of an Actress,’ helms this latest animation.
The fantasy drama follows the compelling story of Gon, who becomes the only boy in the world to develop gills after falling into deep water, and explores the lives of the people surrounding him. The film aims to reinterpret the rich imagination and profound themes of the original novel through the distinctive and unique visual language of animation.
‘Gills’ is scheduled to hit theaters on September 9, offering a unique cinematic experience to audiences.
Jung Hae In voices the central character, Gon, while a talented ensemble cast including Kang Ha Neul, Lee Chung Ah, Yoo Jae Myung, and Kim Sun Young also lend their voices to bring the characters of the film to life.
