actor-controversy

▲ This Jan. 21, 2025, file photo shows Ha Young attending a press conference for the Netflix series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Yonhap) -- Actor Ha Young on Tuesday apologized for causing concerns over speculation surrounding her great-grandfather's ties to a pro-Japanese organization during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea.

The statement, released by her agency, Bistus Entertainment, came just a day after the actor came under fire for claiming through her agency that the allegations surrounding her great-grandfather are "groundless."

"In responding to a question, Ha Young mentioned how medical practice spans across four generations in her family," the agency said. "The actor is deeply troubled over how this has unintentionally sparked controversy."

While appearing on a KBS talk show last week, Ha Young mentioned how her great-grandfather studied Western medicine in Japan and was the first doctor to open a Western medical clinic in Korea.

Although she did not mention his name, the public soon tracked him down as a senior member of an organization suspected by historians as being associated with pro-Japanese activities.

"Through this incident, we have come to realize the importance of prudent verification in conveying historic fact and an individual's personal history to the public," the agency said. "Ha Young will take to heart the concern she has caused, and will take on a more prudent and humble attitude."

It also confirmed the existence of historic records that carry his name as a member of the organization in 1916.

Ha Young made her debut with "Doctor Prisoner" (2019) and has since appeared in hit Netflix shows, such as "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" (2025), "Boyfriend on Demand" (2026) and "Teach You a Lesson" (2026).

She also appeared in the rom-com series "Our Sticky Love," released last week.

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