'Our Sticky Love' Ha Young apologizes for lack of awareness about her family history

Actress Ha Young (Our Sticky Love, Teach You a Lesson, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, The Good Detective Season 2) has acknowledged the pro-Japanese activities of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho, and personally apologized.

Ha Young recently appeared on KBS2’s Problem Child in House, where she talked about her family's four-generation medical legacy and described her great-grandfather as someone who studied in Japan, established a Western-style clinic in Hanyang (present-day Seoul), and treated Emperor Gojong.

After the episode aired, Korean netizens speculated that the doctor she referred to was Ahn Sang Ho, a fact that her agency, BISTUS Entertainment, later confirmed. The revelation sparked controversy after historical records showed Ahn Sang Ho listed as a council member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe, an organization associated with pro-Japanese activities, in 1916. On August 10, Ha Young's agency BISTUS Entertainment initially dismissed the allegations as "groundless", but reversed its position the following day and apologized for responding without sufficient verification.

On August 12, Ha Young posted a handwritten letter on her social media account. 

The full text of Ha Young’s apology is as follows:

I am Ha Young.

First, I sincerely bow my head and apologize for causing great disappointment and hurt concerning the matters related to my great-grandfather. Recently, after learning about my great-grandfather Ahn Sang Ho's past actions, I have come to look back on my family's history with a heavy heart.

Until now, I only knew fragments of my great-grandfather's life based on stories I had heard from my family. Shamefully, in that state of ignorance, I spoke about my great-grandfather on various occasions as though he were a source of pride for my family.

Through this experience, I learned about my great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities while personally researching relevant materials. I am reflecting on having casually spoken about my family history without properly understanding the history of our country, which endured the painful period of Japanese colonial rule.

Additionally, when the controversy first arose, I, too, did not have an accurate understanding of the facts and had the agency issue a statement saying that the allegations were groundless. I believe it was also my shortcoming that I allowed an incorrect stance to be communicated without sufficient verification. I sincerely apologize for causing even greater confusion and hurt as a result.

I sincerely apologize again for the delay in issuing this statement, as the matter was so serious and I felt deeply sorry, leaving me unsure of how to properly convey my apology.

I do not believe that my lack of awareness can be a reason to turn a blind eye to that history or take it lightly. I take that wrongdoing seriously and, as a descendant, sincerely apologize. I am especially deeply sorry for causing controversy through my shortcomings at a time when Independence Day is approaching.

I will take this matter to heart. I will take a proper look at my family's history and the history of that era, and going forward, I will approach history with greater thoughtfulness. 

Additionally, as I'll continue to study our history in depth, I'll also do my utmost to respectfully honor the independence activists and all those who worked for Korea's liberation and its well-being. I will put these words into practice through my actions, not just words.

Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone whom I have caused concern.

Respectfully,
Ha Young

Source: iZE, Instagram