Our Sticky Love actress takes responsibility after historical records confirm ancestor’s ties to pro-Japanese organization during Japan’s 1910-45 rule of Korea.
South Korean actor Ha Young has issued a handwritten apology after historical records confirmed her great-grandfather’s involvement with a pro-Japanese organization during Japan’s colonial rule of Korea. The 33-year-old actress, who currently stars in the Netflix romantic-comedy series Our Sticky Love, posted the letter on her social media account on August 12, 2026.
The controversy began after Ha Young appeared on the KBS talk show Problem Child in House on August 7, where she spoke about her family’s medical legacy. She mentioned that her great-grandfather studied Western medicine in Japan and opened one of the first Western-style clinics in Seoul, adding that he even treated Emperor Gojong. Viewers later identified her great-grandfather as Ahn Sang-ho (1872-1927) and began investigating his activities during the colonial period.
Agency First Denied Allegations Then Confirmed Records
Ha Young’s agency, Bistus Entertainment, initially dismissed the allegations as “groundless” on August 10. But the company changed its position the following day after reviewing historical documents.
“First, we would like to address our previous statement that the reports were groundless. Upon further verification, we have confirmed that there is indeed an existing record of her great-grandfather, doctor Ahn Sang Ho, being listed as a council member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe in 1916.”
The Daejeong Chinmokhoe (also known as the Daejeong Friendship Association) was a pro-Japanese organization formed to promote Japan-Korea assimilation during the colonial period. Historical records show that Ahn Sang-ho was listed as a council member of this organization in 1916.
The agency admitted it had moved too quickly without properly verifying the historical information.
Actress Takes Responsibility in Handwritten Letter
In her handwritten letter posted on Instagram, Ha Young expressed deep regret for speaking about her great-grandfather as a source of family pride without knowing the full truth of his past.
“I had only partially known about my great-grandfather’s life through stories told by my family. I am ashamed, that despite my ignorance, I had spoken on many occasions about him as a source of family pride.”
She acknowledged that her lack of knowledge could not be used as an excuse to ignore or take that history lightly.
“I believe the fact that I had not known about it cannot be an excuse for disregarding or lightly considering that history. I take that mistake heavily and as a descendant, I am sincerely sorry.”
The actress also addressed her agency’s initial response, taking responsibility for the incorrect statement that was conveyed without proper verification.
“I also consider it my own failing that a mistaken position was conveyed without sufficient checking. I sincerely apologize for the greater confusion and hurt this caused.”
Ha Young explained that she had only known fragments of her great-grandfather’s life through family stories.
“Taking this incident as an opportunity, I began to research relevant materials myself and discovered my great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities.”
She expressed particular regret that the controversy arose just before Liberation Day, which is marked on August 15 in South Korea.
“It weighs on me all the more that my shortcomings have caused concern at a time just before Liberation Day.”
Actress Promises to Study History and Honor Independence Fighters
Ha Young vowed to deeply reflect on her family’s history and take meaningful action going forward.
“I will look closely at my family history and that era, and adopt a much more cautious attitude when dealing with history in the future. I will do my best to study our history in depth and honor with respect all those who worked hard for the independence fighters and the liberation and well-being of our country.”
She emphasized that her words would be backed by actions.
“I will put this into practice not just with words, but with actions.”
Promotions and Content Pulled Following Controversy
The controversy has affected Ha Young’s promotional activities. A scheduled press interview for Our Sticky Love on August 14 was canceled. The episode of Problem Child in House where she mentioned her family’s past was also taken down, with its video-on-demand services suspended and YouTube clips set to private.
Advertising videos featuring Ha Young for companies including Samsung Electronics and apparel brand ARTID were switched to private.
Who Was Ahn Sang-ho?
Ahn Sang-ho (1872-1927) was a physician who studied Western medicine in Japan and became the first Korean to obtain a Japanese medical license in 1902. He opened one of the first Western-style clinics in Seoul and reportedly treated Emperor Gojong.
However, historical documents show that he was a council member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe in 1916. According to a 1918 interview cited in South Korean media, Ahn Sang-ho said he did not wear Korean traditional clothing and “was like a Japanese”.
The Daejeong Chinmokhoe was headed by Min Yeong-gi, a pro-Japanese collaborator, and counted among its members several figures associated with Japan’s colonial rule, including Yi Wan-yong, who was among the signatories of the 1905 Eulsa Treaty and the 1910 Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty.
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Ha Young’s Career and Upcoming Projects
Ha Young made her debut in the 2019 KBS drama Doctor Prisoner and has since appeared in several hit Netflix shows. Her notable works include The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025), Boyfriend on Demand (2026), and Teach You a Lesson (2026). She currently stars in the rom-com series Our Sticky Love, which was released last week.
She is also attached to upcoming projects including There’s a Winning Chance, scheduled for 2027.
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