Ha Young speaks during a press conference for Netflix series “Our Sticky Love” in Seoul, Aug. 5. Yonhap
Actor Ha Young issued a public apology following mounting controversy over her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities during colonial rule, which lasted from 1910-45.
On Tuesday, her agency Bistus Entertainment released a statement on behalf of the actor, whose real name is Ahn Ha-young, expressing deep regret for her initial denial and previous on-air remarks about her family.
"Regarding our earlier statement claiming the allegations were 'groundless,' secondary verification confirmed that the name of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, does indeed appear on the 1916 counselor roster of the Daejeong Friendship Association," the agency said.
"Ha Young has a heavy heart from unintentionally causing controversy, and we sincerely apologize for causing confusion by dismissing the claims without a thorough investigation."
