Actor Ha-young on Monday denied claims that her great-grandfather was a pro-Japanese collaborator during Japan's colonial rule of Korea.
After allegations surfaced online that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, had engaged in pro-Japanese activities, her agency dismissed the claims as "groundless." Ahn was a pioneer of modern medicine in Korea, becoming the first Korean to obtain a Japanese medical license and open one of Seoul’s earliest Western-style clinics,
The controversy arose after Ha appeared on KBS’ variety show “Problem Child in House” on Friday and revealed that she came from a family of doctors spanning four generations.
"My great-grandfather opened the first Western-style clinic in Hanyang and treated Emperor Gojong," she said.
The speculation intensified after online users shared a 1918 Maeil Shinbo article that reportedly portrayed An, who was married to a Japanese woman, as having adopted a Japanese way of life. Some cited the article as evidence that he held pro-Japanese views.
Ha-young’s agency said some of the claims were inaccurate but added that it was still reviewing the historical records before issuing a detailed response.
junheee@heraldcorp.com
