Ha Young exits ‘The Trauma Code’ as great-grandfather controversy widens

South Korean actor Ha Young (하영) has been caught in a widening controversy over allegations that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho (안상호), had a pro-Japanese past. As scrutiny of her family history intensifies, she has faced calls to leave an upcoming drama and even demands from some online users that she be barred from entertainment work altogether. On Aug. 30, Korean media also reported that Ahn had once come under suspicion in connection with claims that Emperor Gojong (고종) was poisoned, with related details recorded in local historical materials published by Korean authorities.

The fallout has now directly affected Ha Young’s acting career. Early today, Korean outlet MyDaily reported that Ha Young has been confirmed to have withdrawn from the new season of Netflix’s hit series “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.”

According to the report, Ha Young had been scheduled to take part in filming for the new season, which is set to begin production in October. Although earlier reports said she would remain with the project, she ultimately told the production team she could not participate in the new season. Both sides have confirmed they will no longer work together.

“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” based on the web novel of the same name, follows Baek Kang-hyuk, a brilliant surgeon who once worked on battlefields, as he takes over a trauma team that exists in name only. After the first season drew strong reviews, Netflix decided to produce Seasons 2 and 3 back to back, with director Lee Do-yoon (이도윤) writing the scripts himself.

The main cast from Season 1, including Ju Ji-hoon (주지훈), Choo Young-woo (추영우), Ha Young and Yoon Kyung-ho (윤경호), had originally been expected to return. But amid the controversy over her great-grandfather that erupted last month, Ha Young has now been confirmed to be leaving the show.

Ha Young is also currently filming the SBS drama “Chance of Winning the Case,” which has only 2 days of shooting left. The production team is expected to complete filming as planned. Because Ha Young has not withdrawn from that series, SBS has so far said only that it is “discussing the matter carefully” and “coordinating from multiple angles.” Whether the drama will ultimately air, and when, will depend on future developments.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Ha Young’s family has continued to grow. According to an Aug. 30 report by Korean outlet Weekly Kyunghyang, the local historical volume “The Origins of Gunpo City Place Names and Clan History,” published by Gunpo City in 2004, lists Ahn Sang-ho (1872-1927) as a modern historical figure.

The book describes Ahn’s medical career and his experience treating members of the royal family. It also notes that when Emperor Gojong died in 1919, rumors spread that he had been poisoned, and Ahn and others came under suspicion in connection with those claims.

The historical material, however, does not present the poisoning theory as established fact. Instead, it says there is not enough evidence to determine whether the rumors were true. The book also recognizes Ahn’s place in the history of Western medicine in Korea, saying he was “undoubtedly one of the figures who pioneered the Korean Western medical community.”

News of Ha Young’s departure from “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” immediately sparked heated discussion on Korean online communities. The backlash intensified because the drama’s director had previously liked Ha Young’s public apology post, prompting some users to criticize the production team and the director.

Some users wrote: “Even if she leaves, I won’t watch. I think the director’s behavior is no different from being pro-Japanese,” “The director is probably crying every day after losing a traitorous companion,” “He might as well retire too,” and “I hope the term ‘pro-Japanese’ gets changed. It should be called ‘traitorous’ instead.”

Others said bluntly: “At least that’s a relief, but I haven’t forgotten the director’s like supporting a pro-Japanese figure. Let it fail completely,” “Yeah, I still won’t watch because of the director,” “The production team looks ridiculous,” “The real legend is that the director didn’t kick her out,” and “They’re only stopping now? I won’t watch.”

One user said they had greatly enjoyed the first season but had decided to boycott the sequel because of the director’s attitude: “I really enjoyed ‘The Trauma Code,’ but I’m so disappointed in the director this time that I won’t watch Season 2. Ha Young leaving is only natural. I’ll boycott that director’s work for the rest of my life. I even looked up his name and memorized it so I can avoid him from now on.”

Some users also directed their anger at another SBS project starring Ha Young, warning: “The ‘Chance of Winning the Case’ production team should remove her too. Otherwise, we’ll boycott advertisers like we did with ‘Joseon Exorcist’ and make it impossible for you to air.” Others mocked the team, saying, “The production team should just go live in Japan. Don’t do this in Korea,” and “What kind of industry requires people to withdraw voluntarily?”

As the controversy over Ha Young’s family continues to expand, attention is now focused on whether she will be able to complete her other projects, whether the related dramas will face boycotts and whether her future entertainment activities will be further affected.