A proud family story turned into a fast-moving controversy for actress Ha Young, and her agency’s response has now shifted twice in two days. Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened and what BISTUS Entertainment is saying now.
How the Controversy Started
While appearing on KBS2’s variety show “Problem Child in House,” Ha Young spoke about her family’s four generations in medicine, describing her great-grandfather as a doctor who studied in Japan before opening a Western-style clinic in Hanyang (Seoul) and treating Emperor Gojong. Following the broadcast, online speculation identified her great-grandfather as Dr. Ahn Sang Ho, which her agency confirmed. Soon after, records surfaced showing Ahn Sang Ho listed as a council member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe — an organization associated with pro-Japanese activity — in 1916, during the Japanese colonial period in Korea.
Ha Young Agency’s Response Timeline
| Date | Agency Statement |
|---|---|
| Aug 10, 2026 | Called the pro-Japanese activity allegations “groundless” |
| Aug 11, 2026 | Apologized for responding hastily without sufficient verification |
BISTUS Entertainment’s revised statement confirmed that historical records do show Ahn Sang Ho listed as a council member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe in 1916, directly contradicting their initial denial.
What the Agency Said in Its Apology
The agency acknowledged it responded too quickly the first time, admitting it needed stronger verification before making public claims about historical facts and family background. It added that Ha Young herself feels troubled by the unintended controversy and plans to approach future public appearances with more caution.
For more context on how public figures and their agencies typically manage sensitive controversies, check out our related entertainment coverage on TechnoSports.
The Bottom Line
This situation is a reminder of how quickly a personal family anecdote can turn into a public reckoning with history. With the agency now walking back its initial denial, attention will likely stay on how Ha Young and her team handle the fallout going forward.
FAQs
Q1. What did Ha Young’s agency initially say about the controversy?
Q2. Did the agency later change its statement?
Yes, a day later they apologized, confirming records do show her great-grandfather’s name linked to the organization in question.
