On August 15, a post titled “We Ask You to Watch Actress Ha-young’s Future Actions on Liberation Day” was published on an online community. The statement was released under the name “Fans Who Cherish Ha-young” to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day.
The fans first paid tribute to independence activists and those who sacrificed themselves for Korea’s liberation before addressing the controversy surrounding Ha-young’s great-grandfather.
In their statement, the fans referred to publicly available historical records concerning Ahn Sang-ho, as well as assessments by the Center for Historical Truth and Justice, and stressed that they did not intend to minimize or glorify the historical record. “We have no intention of minimizing or glorifying these historical facts,” the fans stated, emphasizing that the history of pro-Japanese activities should be accurately documented and evaluated, while distorted perceptions of history should also be reflected upon.
However, they drew a distinction between evaluating an ancestor’s historical actions and assigning responsibility for those actions to their descendants. The fans argued that historical accountability for the actions of previous generations should not automatically be transferred to individual descendants simply because of their family ties.
The statement also cited the position previously expressed by the Center for Historical Truth and Justice. According to the organization, although Ahn Sang-ho is not listed in the Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Collaborators in Korea, his involvement as a council member of the Daejeong Friendship Association and a member of the Dongmin Association means that it cannot simply be concluded that he had no pro-Japanese activities.
At the same time, the organization has stressed that legal and political responsibility for historical wrongdoing should, in principle, belong to the individuals who committed those acts. It has also rejected attempts to impose the wrongdoing of previous generations on their descendants through a form of guilt by association.
The fans additionally referenced remarks by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-man, the great-grandson of independence activist Kim Gu. Kim Gu previously said that people cannot choose their parents when they are born and emphasized that what matters more is how a person responds after learning the truth about their ancestors’ actions.
Ha-young herself addressed the controversy after it emerged, releasing a handwritten apology. In her statement, the actress said she would take a closer look at her family history and the era in which her ancestors lived. She also promised to be more careful in how she approaches history in the future.
Ha-young further said that she would continue studying Korean history in greater depth and would do her best to honor independence activists and everyone who contributed to Korea’s liberation and the country’s well-being. Her fans pointed to those statements as evidence that she has already acknowledged the controversy and expressed a willingness to reflect on it.
Concluding their statement, Ha-young’s fans called for the history of pro-Japanese activities to be remembered and evaluated strictly, while arguing that responsibility should not be inherited through bloodlines. They urged the public to watch how Ha-young follows through on her apology and promises through her future actions rather than rushing to condemn her.
The statement has drawn attention because it does not simply deny or defend the historical allegations surrounding Ha-young’s great-grandfather. Instead, it acknowledges the importance of confronting the historical record while arguing against holding an individual responsible solely because of their family background.
Reactions from online users have been mixed. Some have defended Ha-young, arguing that it would be excessive to deny her an opportunity to reflect and demonstrate change after she has publicly expressed remorse. Others remain skeptical, questioning how such reflection can ultimately be demonstrated through concrete actions. The controversy therefore remains focused on two separate questions: how South Korea should confront the historical legacy of pro-Japanese activities, and whether descendants should be held accountable for their ancestors’ actions.
For Ha-young, attention will now likely remain on whether she follows through on the commitments made in her apology and demonstrates her reflection through her future conduct.
Sources: Daum | 일간스포츠