Ha Young’s Controversy Deepens As Alleged Relative’s Confession Goes Viral

The controversy surrounding actress Ha Young‘s family history has just gotten more complicated despite repeated attempts from her and her family to remedy the situation.

The issue stemmed from the actress revealing her ancestry on a variety show, which led netizens to realize she was the great-granddaughter of Dr. Ahn Sang Ho, a controversial historical figure suspected of supporting Japanese colonial rule. Though initially her agency denied the allegations, it later backtracked on the denial, and Ha Young’s father even came forward with an explanation about why their family never thought that their ancestor was pro-Japanese.

Actress Ha Young’s Father Addresses Pro-Japanese Family History, Sparks Further Backlash

As the controversy kept escalating, Ha Young penned a handwritten apology letter and shared it on her social media. She apologized for not being sensitive about her own bloodline’s past and vowed to study the history diligently to be more mindful of such situations in the future.

Ha young’s wrote a handwritten apology letter on her instagram 😭😭
This is Hayoung.
First, I bow my head and deeply apologize for causing great disappointment and hurt due to the matters related to my maternal great grandfather. As I came across the past actions of my maternal… pic.twitter.com/hYngbkh8hx

— kdramahotgists (@kdramahotgists) August 12, 2026

However, netizens are now accusing Ha Young of feigning ignorance about her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities. This accusation is based on a resurfaced post from 2013, in which the OP (original poster), “A,” claimed to be Ahn Sang Ho’s great-grandchild and expressed their disgust at their family’s past.

In this confessional post, “A” noted that their great-grandfather was the royal physician suspected of poisoning Emperor Gojong. They also noted that their family had been wealthy for generations and had faced no troubles during the Japanese colonial period. “A” source claimed that both their great-grandfather and grandfather must have collaborated with the Japanese rulers.

하영 논란 속 13년전 후손 고백글 재조명 ㄷㄷ

1. 배우 하영의 증조부인 의사 안상호가 친일 논란에 휩싸인 가운데, 2013년에 작성된 ‘후손 고백글’이 다시 확산하고 있음.

2. 자신을 안상호의 증손이라 밝힌 작성자 A씨는 “우리 증조부가 고종 황제 독살 의심을 받은 어의였다”고 고백함.

3. A씨는… pic.twitter.com/PQJruB8DNN

— RRT(라미 구조대) (@kingwest0219) August 12, 2026

“A” also expressed their deep shame regarding this family history, admitting that they felt “filthy” to be born into such a household. They also mentioned a TV show that supposedly led to the discovery of their family’s past. This show is believed to be the 2009 KBS History Special episode that covered the theory that Emperor Gojong was probably poisoned.

Ahn Sang Ho was known to have four sons and three daughters, out of which the fourth son was Ha Young’s grandfather. Hence, it is being inferred that the OP, “A,” is a relative of Ha Young.

While the OP’s identity is being debated, their resurfaced post has given rise to speculation that the Ahn family might have been aware of their past, contrary to their public statements.

However, many netizens have come to the actress’s defense, pointing out that she was more likely unaware of her great-grandfather’s past and that she shouldn’t be made to feel guilty by association.

• “Why? It’s not Ha Young’s fault, is it? I ask those who are hurling insults: Do you even know your own great-grandfather’s name? And unless it’s a proven historical fact, don’t speak. And stop trying to railroad someone. Is this country the land of kangaroo courts?”
• “This is what’s called guilt by association. The child hasn’t done anything wrong. All that matters is doing something that benefits the country as they go through life.”
• “Descendants should not have to suffer for the wrongdoings of their forebears. While living an upright life is certainly the right thing to do, it is difficult to understand why descendants—who were born knowing nothing of the past—should be branded as sinners. That said, it would be desirable for them to live virtuous lives, if only to atone for the sins committed by their ancestors.”
• “I don’t think the actor Ha Young is personally at fault, though I do believe her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese collaboration was indeed wrong. It strikes me as both frightening and unfortunate how the concept of guilt by association works. Ultimately, I feel the greatest responsibility lies with her parents for failing to inform her about this history properly.”