Actor Ha Young Faces Industry Backlash After Great-Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Past Revealed
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Actor Ha Young, previously known for her doctor family lineage, faces industry backlash after her great-grandfather was revealed to be a pro-Japanese collaborator.
- Historical records show her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, studied Western medicine in Japan and served the royal family.
- The revelation has led to companies and local governments severing ties with the actor, highlighting public sensitivity to historical controversies.
Actor Ha Young, who had previously garnered attention for coming from a family of doctors for four generations, is now facing a wave of disassociation from various industries. This comes after it was revealed that her great-grandfather was a member of a pro-Japanese organization, and her own historical awareness was called into question.
Ha Young, whose real name is Ahn Ha-young, is the descendant of Ahn Sang-ho. Ahn Sang-ho graduated from the Jihye Medical College in Tokyo in 1902, returning to Korea to teach Western medicine and serve as a royal medical official. The recent revelations have cast a shadow over Ha Young's public image.
Her great-grandfather was a member of the pro-Japanese organization's council.
The controversy has prompted a swift reaction from the entertainment and advertising industries, as well as local governments. Companies and organizations are rushing to distance themselves from the actor, indicating a strong public sentiment regarding historical issues and national identity in South Korea. The situation underscores the importance of historical awareness and the lasting impact of past actions on present-day reputations.
He graduated from the Jihye Medical College in Tokyo in 1902.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.