Heo Young's Father's Interview Reignites Pro-Japanese Controversy, Brands Pull Ads

South Korean actress Heo Young (허영) recently became embroiled in a pro-Japanese controversy due to her family background. While her agency had already acknowledged historical records related to her great-grandfather, her father's subsequent interview as a "family representative" not only failed to quell the storm but reignited controversy with some of his statements.

On April 7, Heo Young appeared on KBS 2TV's "Problem Child in House" to promote her new drama, "My Sweet Mobster." During the show, she revealed that she comes from a "four-generation family of doctors" and mentioned that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho (안상호), studied Western medicine in Japan, became a doctor upon returning to Korea, and even treated Emperor Gojong. After the broadcast, netizens researched Ahn Sang-ho's past and discovered his name on lists related to pro-Japanese organizations, sparking the controversy.

In response to public scrutiny, Heo Young's agency first issued a statement, expressing her profound regret for "unintentionally causing controversy" and acknowledging the existence of historical records concerning her great-grandfather. The agency also stated that Heo Young would remember the public's concern caused by this incident and would approach her future endeavors with greater caution and humility.

However, on April 11, Heo Young's father gave an exclusive interview to Korean media outlet Ilgan Sports, speaking as a "family representative" to address public questions and mitigate the fallout for his daughter. Yet, after the interview was published, some of his statements became new points of contention.

Heo Young's father stated that, to his knowledge, his grandfather Ahn Sang-ho had served Prince Uichin, who held strong anti-Japanese sentiments, for a long time. Therefore, the family had never considered that Ahn Sang-ho would be involved in a pro-Japanese controversy.