Song Il-gook’s remarks on independence activist descendants resurface

Actor Song Il-gook, the great-grandson of independence activist General Kim Jwa-jin, has seen his past remarks resurface following a controversy involving actress Ha Young. Ha Young recently faced backlash after claims surfaced regarding the pro-Japanese activities of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, who reportedly treated Lee Wan-yong and promoted Japanese assimilation policies.

In response to the renewed attention, Song Il-gook’s previous comments regarding the hardships faced by descendants of independence activists have been highlighted. Song previously noted the irony that while pro-Japanese collaborators often maintained stable, well-educated families, the descendants of those who fought for independence frequently faced extreme poverty and instability. He described how General Kim Jwa-jin’s family went from significant wealth to having nothing after he sacrificed his assets to support the independence movement and education.

Ha Young has issued a handwritten apology on social media, stating that she was unaware of her great-grandfather’s history and accepting responsibility for the oversight.