Actor Ha Young apologises over great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese past
South Korean actor Ha Young apologised on 11 August for sparking controversy after mentioning her great-grandfather's medical studies in Japan.
Actor Ha Young has apologised for controversy surrounding her great-grandfather's suspected ties to a pro-Japanese organisation during Japan's 1910–1945 colonial rule of Korea.
The apology came through her agency, Bistus Entertainment, on 11 August, a day after she initially dismissed the allegations as "groundless." During a recent appearance on a KBS talk show, Ha Young mentioned that her great-grandfather had studied Western medicine in Japan and was among the first to open a Western medical clinic in Korea. She did not name him publicly, but viewers identified him as a senior member of an organisation historians associate with pro-Japanese activities.
"In responding to a question, Ha Young mentioned how medical practice spans across four generations in her family," the agency said in a statement. "The actor is deeply troubled over how this has unintentionally sparked controversy."
The agency later confirmed that historic records show her great-grandfather's name listed as a member of the organisation in 1916. "Through this incident, we have come to realise the importance of prudent verification in conveying historic fact and an individual's personal history to the public," the statement continued. "Ha Young will take to heart the concern she has caused, and will take on a more prudent and humble attitude."
Ha Young, who debuted in the 2019 medical thriller "Doctor Prisoner," has become a familiar face on Netflix, appearing in recent releases including "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" (2025), "Boyfriend on Demand" (2026) and "Teach You a Lesson" (2026). She also appeared in the romance series "Our Sticky Love," which released the week of her statement.
The incident reflects broader sensitivities in South Korean entertainment around historical accuracy and artists' family backgrounds. In recent years, several high-profile figures have faced scrutiny over undisclosed ancestral links to Japan's colonial period, a subject that remains culturally significant in Korea.
