# South Korean controversies over colonial-era ancestry

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-controversies-over-colonial-era-ancestry
> Updated: 2026-08-24T10:13:10.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 5.

Public controversies have emerged in South Korea regarding the ancestral ties of prominent figures to the Japanese colonial period. Actress Ha Young faced scrutiny after mentioning her family’s medical lineage on a variety show. Research indicated her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho, was involved in pro-Japanese organizations and held positions in groups linked to the colonial administration, such as the Daejeong Chinmokhoe in 1916. Ha Young noted that her great-grandfather had studied Western medicine in Japan and treated Emperor Gojong. In response to the outcry, she issued a handwritten apology, stating she deeply regrets discussing her family history without fully understanding the nation’s painful history under Japanese rule. Despite the apology, public criticism remains high. New scrutiny revealed that her grandfather held a role at the National Sorokdo Rehabilitation Center, an institution associated with human rights abuses. The scandal has resulted in significant professional consequences, including the cancellation of press interviews, the privatization of brand promotional videos, and Netflix’s decision to withhold a follow-up episode of a web variety show featuring the actress. Her agency, BISTUS Entertainment, confirmed that Ha Young has resumed filming for the upcoming SBS drama ‘The Long Shot Trial’ after a one-week hiatus. While public opinion remains divided, her Instagram following reportedly increased from 1 million to approximately 1.3 million followers. The situation has sparked broader social interest, including the emergence of an online ‘Pro-Japanese Scanner’ and backlash against the indie band HYUKOH due to the casting of Japanese actress Sakura Ando, whose great-grandfather was a former Japanese Prime Minister. Following these developments, broadcaster SBS is conducting internal discussions regarding Ha Young’s participation in the upcoming drama ‘Seungsan Isseumnida’ (There is a Chance).

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: SBS discusses actress Hayoung’s role amid pro-Japanese controversy

SBS is discussing actress Hayoung’s role in the drama ‘Seungsan Isseumnida’ following controversy regarding her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese history. Filming is nearing completion.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/actress-hayoung-faces-controversy-over-great-grandfathers-pro-japanese-past

### 2026-08-21: Actress Ha-young returns to filming amid pro-Japanese ancestor controversy

South Korean actress Ha-young faces professional fallout and public scrutiny after her great-grandfather was linked to pro-Japanese organizations during the colonial era.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/actress-ha-young-returns-to-filming-amid-pro-japanese-ancestor-controversy

### 2026-08-19: Ha Young resumes filming amid ancestral pro-Japanese controversy

Actress Ha Young has resumed filming for her upcoming SBS drama after a hiatus caused by controversy over her great-grandfather’s alleged pro-Japanese activities during the colonial era.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/actress-ha-yeon-faces-controversy-over-ancestral-pro-japanese-ties

### 2026-08-18: HYUKOH faces controversy over Sakura Ando casting

South Korean band HYUKOH faces criticism for casting Japanese actress Sakura Ando in their new music video due to her great-grandfather’s historical role as a Japanese Prime Minister during the colonial era.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hyukoh-faces-controversy-over-sakura-ando-casting

### 2026-08-15: Ha Young faces controversy over great-grandfather's pro-Japanese history

South Korean actress Ha Young faces backlash after her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho, was identified as having pro-Japanese ties during the colonial era. She has issued a formal apology.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ha-young-faces-scrutiny-over-family-history-amid-colonial-era-allegations

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Cite as: South Korean controversies over colonial-era ancestry. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-controversies-over-colonial-era-ancestry