[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Myung-ju] "The great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities were unknown to the actor and the family."

Actor Ha Young's agency issued a proxy apology regarding allegations of the great-grandfather's pro-Japanese collaboration. The agency changed its official position (within a day), stating, "We hastily responded without sufficient verification and caused confusion. We apologize."

However, the apology cannot escape criticism for being incomplete. The agency only acknowledged insufficient verification of the historical figure, but remained silent on other aspects.

Ha Young continues to face backlash. Behind the agency, the actor relayed a position stating, "I apologize for the concern caused. Going forward, I will approach (matters) with a careful and humble attitude."

Neither Ha Young nor the agency made any mention of responsibility as a descendant of a pro-Japanese collaborator. Although the actor personally engaged in marketing related to a medical family background, the agency only stated, "The controversy arose unintentionally, and (my) heart is heavy."

Dispatch questioned the agency 'Bisters Entertainment' for an additional statement on the morning of the 11th. The outlet asked about the great-grandfather's additional pro-Japanese activities, allegations of the grandfather's work at Sorok Island, and Ha Young's activity plans.

The agency only repeated that it would "check" regarding the additional allegations. However, it showed resolve to proceed as planned with Ha Young's scheduled activities without changes.

Meanwhile, Ha Young is appearing as the female lead in the Netflix series 'Such a Crappy Love Story.' She has also decided to appear in the next project, 'Trauma Center Season 2' starring Ju Ji-hoon.

Below is a question-and-answer session with the agency.

Dispatch (hereafter D): Yesterday's (10th) statement was "groundless." It changed within a day.

Ha Young's side: It took time to verify the (Daejeong Chinmok-hoe) list. Since these are activities from 100 years ago, we were cautious about definitively stating "pro-Japanese collaboration."

D: The name was on the list as of yesterday (10th)?

H: We had not verified it precisely (until yesterday), so we conveyed it that way.

D: Was this something the actor and family members were completely unaware of?

H: The name was on the list, and we understand they were unaware of such matters.

D: So the actor learned about the great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities through this incident?

H: That is our understanding.

D: Is it correct that the great-grandmother was Japanese?

H: That is our understanding.

D: What about the part regarding surgery performed on Yi Wan-yong? The great-grandfather's name was also mentioned in papers related to theories of Emperor Gojong's poisoning.

H: We think that part should be checked as well. It's difficult to address that immediately. (It's difficult.)

D: Does that mean you will verify that part further?

H: Yes. We need to check.

D: There are records that Ha Young's grandfather, Professor Ahn Bu-ho, worked at Sorok Island. There were many patient rights violations at that time?

H: We are not taking separate action regarding that part.

D: The period when Professor Ahn worked coincided with the tenure of Director Kim Sang-tae, when human rights violations were severe.

H: We will check on that as well.

D: The actor Ha Young's own statement is completely absent (from the statement).

H: Regarding the apology aspect, it's difficult to give a clear answer of "yes" or "no" right away. We need to check internally.

D: The Netflix series 'Such a Crappy Love Story' featuring Ha Young was recently released. Will the next project 'Trauma Center Season 2' proceed as scheduled?

H: Currently, there is no particular word (from Netflix).

D: The interview for 'Such a Crappy Love Story' is this Friday (14th). Any changes?

H: (Interview participation) has not changed as of now.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>