South Korean actress Ha Young, 33, issued a public apology days after her revelation about her great-grandfather's accomplishments led naysayers into questioning his ties during Japanese occupation of Korea.
Ha Young (Trauma Code) stars in the newly released K-drama series Sticky Love opposite Jung Hae In (Something In The Rain and Love Next Door).
On August 7, 2026, she appeared in KBS's variety show Problem Child In House where she mentioned that she came from a family of doctors including her great grandfather, father, and sister.
She particularly took pride in her great grandfather who, she said, studied medicine in Japan, opened the first clinic in Seoul that specializes in Western medicine, and treated Emperor Go Jong, who ruled Korea from 1864-1907.
What was supposedly a proud moment for Ha Young quickly turned into a controversy after netizens identified her great grandfather as Ahn Sang Ho, who allegedly had ties with Daejeong Friendship Association, an organization that supported Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910-1945.
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HA YOUNG OFFICIAL STATEMENT
In an official statement posted on her Instagram this Wednesday, August 12, Ha Young apologized for her remarks about her family history without taking into consideration how her great grandfather's role during the Japanese occupation of Korea could hurt her countrymen.
Handwritten in Korean, her statement read: "First, I offer my deepest apologies for the great disappointment and hurt caused by matters concerning my great-grandfather.
"Recently, upon learning of the past actions of my great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, I have come to reflect on my family's history with a heavy heart.
"Until now, my understanding of my great-grandfather’s life was limited to fragmented stories passed down through my family."
The incident, she said, prompted her to personally research about her great-grandfather's past.
"To my shame, in that state of ignorance, I spoke of him on various occasions as if he were a source of family pride.
"In the process of personally researching relevant records following these recent events, I discovered the details of his pro-Japanese activities.
"I deeply regret having spoken so lightly of my family history without a proper understanding of the painful era our nation endured under Japanese colonial rule."
Ha Young also apologized for not verifying what she knows about her family history prior to her agency's initial statement.
She explained: "Furthermore, when the controversy first arose, a statement denying the allegations as groundless was issued through my agency before I had fully grasped the facts.
"I acknowledge that it was a shortcoming on my part to allow an incorrect statement to be released without sufficient verification.
"I sincerely apologize for the greater confusion and hurt this caused.
"I also offer my renewed apologies for the delay in issuing this statement; I agonized over how best to convey my apology, given the gravity of the matter and the deep regret I feel."
In the end, she pointed out that her ignorance is no excuse for how she acted.
"The fact that I was unaware does not justify ignoring or trivializing that history. I take this error very seriously and offer a sincere apology as a descendant.
"I feel even more remorseful for having caused a stir due to my own shortcomings, especially as we approach Liberation Day.
"I will take this experience deeply to heart. I intend to properly examine my family’s history and the era in question, and to adopt a more cautious and thoughtful attitude toward history moving forward."
She added: "Furthermore, I will commit myself to studying our history in depth and to honoring—with the utmost respect—the patriots who fought for independence and all those who dedicated themselves to our nation’s liberation and well-being.
"I will demonstrate this through my actions, not just my words.
"Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone for the concern I have caused."
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HA YOUNG AGENCY STATEMENT
Ha Young's agency, Bistus Entertainment, initially refuted her grandfather's connection the the organization in question.
But on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, her agency issued an official statement, saying that their camp regrets its confusing statement about Ahn Sang Ho's pro-Japanese ties.
The statement read: "Regarding our earlier statement claiming the allegations were 'groundless,' secondary verification confirmed that the name of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, does indeed appear on the 1916 counselor roster of the Daejeong Friendship Association.
"Ha Young has a heavy heart from unintentionally causing controversy, and we sincerely apologize for causing confusion by dismissing the claims without a thorough investigation.
"Both the agency and Ha Young deeply realize how important verification processes are when sharing historical facts with the public.
"She will approach her career with a humbler, more cautious attitude from now on."
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HA YOUNG'S FATHER SPEAKS UP
In an interview with Ilagan Sports yesterday, Ha Young's father expressed that he is "deeply troubled" upon learning about his grandfather Ahn Sang-ho's ties with a pro-Japanese organization.
He claimed that he was unaware of that information up until the issue came up.
Based on what he knows about his family history, Ahn Byeong Mun explained that his grandfather's association with Prince Uihwa, son of Korean Emperor Go Jong, made it hard for him to believe that his grandfather is connected to pro-Japanese ties.
He also pointed out that while his grandmother is Japanese, it was allegedly Prince Uihwa who introduced her to his grandfather.
Ahn Byeong Mun reportedly insisted, however, that he doesn't condone his grandfather's ties to a pro-Japanese organization.
"I have no intention of glorifying my grandfather’s past simply because he is family.
"I apologize for the concern caused by this controversy, and moving forward, I will study history again with a cautious and humble attitude while reflecting on what my family ought to do."