South Korean actress Ha Young has officially left Netflix’s hit medical drama ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’ after controversy over her great-grandfather’s activities during Japan’s colonial rule of Korea. The streaming platform confirmed her departure on September 1, 2026, saying it respected the actress’s decision.
The timing has drawn sharp comparisons with actor Kim Soo-hyun, who is making a steady return to public events after being cleared of allegations related to the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Many online are calling out what they see as a clear double standard in the Korean entertainment industry.
Ha Young Steps Down From ‘The Trauma Code’ Seasons 2 and 3
Ha Young, whose full name is Ahn Ha-young, played nurse Cheon Jang-mi in the first season of ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’. She worked alongside Ju Ji-hoon, who played trauma surgeon Baek Kang-hyuk, and Choo Young-woo, who played Yang Jae-won. The show became a major global success after its release in January 2025.
The trouble started when Ha Young appeared on the KBS variety show ‘Problem Child in House’ last month. During the episode, she talked about her family’s four-generation medical legacy and mentioned that her great-grandfather had studied Western medicine in Japan.
After the broadcast, online users identified her great-grandfather as Dr. Ahn Sang-ho (1872-1927). Historical records showed that his name appeared on a 1916 roster as a council member of the Daejeong Friendship Association (Daejeong Chinmokhoe). This organisation had ties to Japan’s colonial government during the 1910-1945 occupation of Korea.
Ha Young’s Handwritten Apology
Her agency first dismissed the allegations as “groundless,” but changed its position and apologised the next day as the controversy grew. On August 12, 2026, Ha Young posted a handwritten apology on social media.
“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.”
The 33-year-old actress added:
“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.”
She vowed to reflect deeply on her family’s past and show through her actions that she respects those who fought for Korea’s liberation.
The controversy hit particularly hard because it happened just days before Korea’s Liberation Day on August 15. Following the backlash, the episode of the talk show was made private, and her advertising videos for brands including Samsung Electronics were also taken down.
Netflix confirmed on September 1 that Ha Young would not appear in the planned second and third seasons of ‘The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call’. Production for the next season is expected to begin in October. The streaming platform has not yet announced whether another actor will replace her or how her character’s absence will be handled.
Ha Young is also currently working on the SBS drama ‘The Long Shot Trial’ with Lee Je-hoon, which is reportedly nearing completion. That project is also facing questions following the controversy.
Kim Soo-hyun Returns to the Red Carpet
Just days before Ha Young’s exit made headlines, organisers of the 2026 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) announced that Kim Soo-hyun would be part of their lineup for the December 5-6 event at Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan.
This marks a major return for the ‘Queen of Tears’ star. He had stopped all activities after facing serious allegations about his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The accusations included claims that he dated her when she was a minor.
Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in February 2025 at the age of 24. Her family filed a complaint against Kim Soo-hyun, and a YouTube channel called Hover Lab raised further allegations, claiming to have voice recordings of the late actress.
However, in July 2026, the Seoul Seongdong Police Station decided not to pursue the charges. The investigation found that the voice recordings had been fabricated, possibly using AI technology. The YouTuber behind the channel, Kim Se-ui, was arrested in May on defamation charges.
Now cleared of criminal charges, Kim Soo-hyun has been slowly returning to work. He made his first public appearance in 17 months at an RCTI anniversary event in Indonesia last month. He also resumed work with Philippine lifestyle brand BENCH, which renewed its contract with him. The brand announced his return with a video and the message: “Our beloved global BENCH Setter has returned”.
He is now scheduled to appear as an award presenter at The Fact Music Awards in Busan on September 19. His attendance at the Asia Artist Awards in December has also been confirmed. He also has a planned fan event in Manila on October 2, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Fans Call Out Double Standards
Online, the contrast between the two cases has not gone unnoticed. Many are questioning why Ha Young lost a career-defining role for something her ancestor did nearly a century ago, while Kim Soo-hyun is being welcomed back after serious personal allegations.
One user wrote:
“Punished for something a relative did but then they have KSH walking around like he wasn’t tied to two suicides and inappropriate behaviour with six minors!!!! Korea is a joke!!!!!”
Another said:
“Ha Young was rejected because she was a woman, while Kim Soo-hyun was returned even though he was indirectly the cause of someone’s death.”
A third comment read:
“Sigh… Kim Soo-hyun is making his comeback while Ha Young is stepping away from projects. Is there anywhere in the world where men and women are truly held to the same standards?”
The debate touches on a wider issue in the Korean entertainment industry. Male celebrities often receive second chances after personal scandals, while female celebrities can face career-ending consequences for controversies that are not even their own.
The controversy over Ha Young’s great-grandfather also connects to a painful chapter in Korean history. After Korea’s liberation in 1945, the government failed to properly punish those who had collaborated with Japan. This allowed some descendants of pro-Japanese collaborators to continue benefiting from wealth and property gained during colonial rule. The issue remains sensitive, and even President Lee Jae Myung addressed it during his Liberation Day speech in August, saying he would focus on seizing assets wrongfully accumulated by colonial collaborators.
Related:
Ha Young’s case has opened up old wounds for many Koreans. But for international fans watching from afar, the difference in how the two actors are being treated feels hard to ignore.
Also Read: Ha Young Exits The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call Seasons 2 and 3 After Family History Controversy
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