Actress Ha Young’s family history is drawing renewed attention after online discussions raised questions about the past activities of her great-grandfather, physician Ahn Sang Ho.
The issue began after Ha Young spoke about coming from a family of doctors during appearances on programs including KBS2’s Problem Child in House.
Ha Young previously said, “As far as I remember, my great-grandfather was one of the first people to open a clinic specializing in Western medicine in Hanyang at the time.”
She added, “After studying medicine in Japan, he opened one of the first Western-style clinics in Hanyang and treated Emperor Gojong.”
Online users later identified her great-grandfather as Ahn Sang Ho, who lived from 1872 to 1927. Ha Young’s agency has since confirmed that Ahn Sang Ho was indeed her great-grandfather.
Historical records show that Ahn graduated from a medical school in Tokyo in 1902 and became one of the earliest Koreans to obtain a Japanese medical license. Records also indicate that he was among the doctors who treated Emperor Gojong when the emperor became seriously ill in January 1919.
Some historical accounts also connect Ahn to claims surrounding Emperor Gojong’s death. According to Korea’s historical人物 database, Ahn was once accused of giving poison to the emperor under Japanese instructions. However, the database notes that available evidence remains insufficient to establish what happened conclusively.
Further attention has focused on a research paper published in the academic journal Studies on Korean National Movement History. According to the paper, Ahn served as a council member of the Taisho Friendship Association, an organization established in 1916 that has been described in academic research as pro-Japanese.
The paper also stated that Ahn, who had married a Japanese woman and became a successful doctor, was presented at the time as an example of “Japan-Korea assimilation,” a policy concept promoting the assimilation of Koreans and Japanese under colonial rule. The study noted that this reportedly led to criticism from some Koreans.
However, Ahn Sang Ho was not included in the Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Collaborators, published by the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities in 2009.
As discussion about Ha Young’s family continues, attention has also turned to later generations. Her grandfather, Professor Ahn Boo Ho, was known for his work in modern Korean medicine and clinical pathology, as well as his treatment and research involving patients with Hansen’s disease.
Ha Young’s agency confirmed her family connection to Ahn Sang Ho but disputed parts of the claims circulating online.
A representative stated, “It is true that Ha Young’s great-grandfather was Ahn Sang Ho.”
Regarding allegations about his historical activities, the agency added, “There are parts of the claims being made online that are different from the facts. We are organizing the details and plan to release another statement soon.”
With conflicting historical records and interpretations continuing to circulate, the agency has indicated that it will provide a more detailed explanation regarding Ha Young’s family history.
