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SBS faces dilemma over actress Ha Young's casting amid great-grandfather's pro-Japanese controversy
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Culture & Society

SBS faces dilemma over actress Ha Young's casting amid great-grandfather's pro-Japanese controversy

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Actress Ha Young is facing controversy over her great-grandfather's alleged pro-Japanese collaboration during the colonial era.
  • The controversy has extended to her upcoming drama, 'There Will Be Victory,' with calls for her removal from the cast.
  • Broadcaster SBS is reportedly hesitant to make a decision regarding her participation, leading to public scrutiny.

Actress Ha Young is embroiled in a growing controversy surrounding allegations of pro-Japanese collaboration by her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, during Korea's colonial period. The issue, which resurfaced recently, has cast a shadow over her career and her upcoming role in the SBS drama 'There Will Be Victory.'

The controversy initially gained traction after Ha Young mentioned her family's four-generation history of being doctors on the KBS2 show 'Problem Child in House.' This led to a renewed focus on her great-grandfather's past actions, sparking public debate and criticism. As a result, demands for her removal from the new drama have intensified.

Despite the mounting pressure and public outcry, broadcaster SBS appears to be in a difficult position, reportedly delaying a decision on whether to remove Ha Young from the cast. The reasons behind SBS's apparent hesitation are unclear, but the situation has placed the network under significant scrutiny. The delay in addressing the controversy risks further alienating viewers and potentially impacting the drama's reception.

Ha Young's agency has reportedly addressed the allegations, but the public's reaction suggests that a resolution is far from certain. The ongoing debate highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical issues in South Korea and their impact on contemporary public figures.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.