General News
Actor Ha Young apologizes over great-grandfather's alleged pro-Japanese ties in South Korean drama
What happened
South Korean actor Ha Young, known for the drama Our Sticky Love, issued a public apology on August 11, 2026, for her great-grandfather's alleged collaboration with Japan during its colonial rule of Korea. The controversy emerged after social media scrutiny of historical records linked to her family.
Key facts
-2026 Ha Young issued an apology via her agency's official social media account on August 11, 2026.
-2026 The controversy centers on allegations that her great-grandfather worked with Japanese authorities during the colonial era.
-2026 South Korean media reports highlight that historical records from the National Archives of Korea were cited in the scrutiny.
-2026 Ha Young's agency stated the apology was issued to acknowledge public concerns and historical sensitivity.
Context
-1910
Japan occupied the Korean Peninsula, leading to widespread resistance and later historical debates over collaboration. -1948 South Korea gained independence, prompting national discussions on wartime collaboration and its legacy. -2020 South Korea passed laws to address historical injustices, including reparations for victims of colonial-era abuses. -2026 Public figures in South Korea continue to face scrutiny over family ties to collaborators during the colonial period.