Kim Gu's Great-Grandson: Actress Ha Young's Future Actions Will Shape Public Judgment

Kim Yong-man, a lawmaker and the great-grandson of revered Korean independence activist Kim Gu, has addressed the controversy surrounding actress Ha Young, whose ancestor was found to have collaborated with Japanese colonial rule. Kim stated that Ha Young's future actions, rather than her lineage, will shape public opinion.

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I hope she interprets and acts based on historical justice regarding how she will proceed from now on, rather than feeling discouraged by the mistakes of her predecessors.

"I hope she interprets and acts based on historical justice regarding how she will proceed from now on, rather than feeling discouraged by the mistakes of her predecessors," Kim said during an appearance on JTBC's 'Newsroom.' He added, "If she acts that way, our people have the historical awareness to highly value such efforts."

Kim acknowledged that individuals cannot choose their ancestors but stressed the importance of how one responds upon learning about problematic family history. "What is more important is what actions you take when you learn about the facts (like pro-Japanese activities)," he emphasized. He personally expressed hope that Ha Young would "show a truly responsible and beautiful side."

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If she acts that way, our people have the historical awareness to highly value such efforts.

The National Institute for Korean History Research confirmed that Ha Young's great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho (1872-1927), a physician, had a history of pro-Japanese collaboration. This included participating in a committee to commemorate Ito Hirobumi after his assassination by Ahn Jung-geun, serving in colonial rule and exploitation bodies, and promoting assimilationist policies. The institute noted that while Ahn Sang-ho was not included in a 2009 dictionary of pro-Japanese figures due to insufficient evidence at the time, his collaborative actions are now confirmed.

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What is more important is what actions you take when you learn about the facts (like pro-Japanese activities).

The institute clarified that the core issue is not Ha Young being a descendant of a collaborator, but rather her "lack of historical awareness and reflection" in public statements about her ancestor's past, which caused pain to the public. The controversy, they argue, should lead to a broader discussion about how professional lineages and social assets formed during the colonial era were inherited as vested interests after liberation without proper historical reckoning.

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This included participating in a committee to commemorate Ito Hirobumi after his assassination by Ahn Jung-geun, serving in colonial rule and exploitation bodies, and promoting assimilationist policies.