Ha Young, Who Boasted of Her Family’s Four-Generation Doctor Lineage, Was Exposed for Pro-Japanese Ties; Netflix Japan Praised Her as Having a "Confident Charm"

[Financial News] Actress Ha Young is facing a strong backlash in South Korea after controversy over her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities during the Japanese colonial period, which has already led to her stepping down from an upcoming project. Against that backdrop, Netflix Japan’s official channel has sparked fresh criticism by releasing a special video spotlighting Ha Young on her own.
On the 28th of last month, Netflix Japan uploaded a four-minute video to its official YouTube channel titled "Strong and Flexible Characters Who Live as Themselves, as Played by Ha Young."
The video was not a promotion for any specific title. Instead, it was structured as a standalone feature compiling highlights from Ha Young’s appearances. It showcased key scenes of the independent, confident characters she played in her Netflix titles, including "Our Sticky Love," "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," "Boyfriend on Demand," and "Teach You a Lesson." Netflix Japan described her as "an actress with a confident and graceful presence" and added that she "captivates people with the strength and flexibility to live her life as herself."
However, the video drew a cold response from online users because it was released at a time when public opinion in South Korea had already turned sharply against her.
On online communities and elsewhere, users posted sharp criticism, saying things such as, "Is this meant to pick a fight with the Korean public?" "The timing is too perfect," and "What was the point of uploading a solo tribute video right when she is being criticized?"
Ha Young had previously spoken proudly about her family background on variety shows, saying she came from a "fourth-generation doctor family" and mentioning her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho. But after Ahn’s pro-Japanese activities came to light, she found herself at the center of controversy. According to the Center for Historical Truth and Justice and others, Ahn Sang-ho took part in the organizing committee for a public memorial service in 1909 honoring Itō Hirobumi. He was also confirmed to have served as a council member for pro-Japanese groups such as the Gyeongseong Municipal Council, the Daejeong Friendship Association, and the Dongmin Association, which supported colonial rule.
Ha Young’s side initially denied the allegations, calling them "untrue." But after the records were confirmed, the agency reversed course, saying she had "carelessly brought up her great-grandfather’s story with pride without knowing the facts," and issued an apology.
The fallout quickly spread to the broadcasting industry. On the 1st, Netflix said, "Respecting the actress’s position, Ha Young will not appear in the sequel to 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,'" officially confirming her departure. The team behind SBS’s new drama "The Long Shot Trial," in which she was set to star, is also continuing internal discussions over scheduling and screen time, given the seriousness of the issue.
While she now faces what amounts to a halt in her domestic activities, with project withdrawals and advertising losses, local Japanese media have framed the issue as a form of "modern-day guilt by association." With Netflix Japan also releasing the special spotlight video, the controversy is expected to continue for the time being.
[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter