From the controversy over her grandfather‘s past to the land dispute within her family, the public should have been curious about this issue that has been described as ‘volatile’ with actress Lee Ji-ah. It’s Lee Ji-ah‘s ‘view of history’.

Lee Ji-ah confessed that she had no knowledge of the recent dispute between her family and relatives over a large-scale piece of land in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province because she was not related to them. However, she said that if the controversial land was “property acquired during the Japanese colonial period when her grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities are suspected, it must be ‘returned’ to the state.” Regarding the pros and cons related to her grandfather, she showed a very serious attitude, stating her position after personally verifying the facts. Lee Ji-ah said, “I have confirmed the records of my grandfather‘s (colonial period) donations, and considering the historical background at the time, such acts cannot be justified for any reason,” and “I apologize as a descendant.”

This controversy has recently intensified as the land dispute in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province between Lee Ji-ah’s family and their relatives has been reported in the media. The following is Lee Ji-ah‘s personal statement.

Hello, this is Lee Ji-ah.
I will convey my position on the recent reports.
I have been cautious and thought about it for a long time, but I believe that it is right to take responsibility for setting the record straight now, so I am speaking with courage, even though it is difficult. I sincerely apologize for the delay in expressing my position.

1. Facts related to family dispute
I have never received any financial support from my parents since I became independent at the age of 18, and it has already been more than 10 years since I cut ties with them due to my embarrassingly complicated family history.
I have no knowledge of the family property or lawsuit that has become controversial, and I am not involved in the land ownership dispute.

2. My position on the controversy over my grandfather’s collaboration with the Japanese
My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him and grew up not knowing anything about his collaboration with the Japanese.
After first hearing about this through an article in 2011, I visited the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities several times to confirm the accuracy of the facts, and studied related materials.
In the process, I was able to confirm my grandfather‘s donation records, and considering the historical background at the time, I believe that such actions cannot be justified for any reason.

In addition, if the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese colonial period, I believe that it must be returned to the state.

3. Final words
I have never made any statements about my grandfather in the past, and I have never published any promotional articles using my family as a platform.
However, later, false information spread in online communities and comments that I ‘respect my grandfather’, which is not true, and I would like to correct this.
Lastly, I deeply recognize the historical mistakes made by my grandfather, and as a descendant, I sincerely apologize. I will continue to face the truth of history with a humble attitude and live with a sense of responsibility.


Reporter Heo Min-nyeong mignon@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.