Actress Lee Ji-ah revealed her position on the controversy surrounding her grandfather‘s pro-Japanese activities and the legal battle her father is waging with his brothers.

On the 21st, Lee Ji-ah opened up through her agency BH Entertainment, saying, “I have been thinking about the recent reports for a long time and have been cautious, but I think it is right to take responsibility to set the record straight now, so although it is difficult, I am mustering up the courage to tell you.”

First, regarding the family dispute, Lee Ji-ah said, “Since becoming independent at the age of 18, I have never received any financial support from my parents, and it has already been over 10 years since I cut ties with them due to my embarrassingly complicated family history.” She also drew the line, saying, “I have absolutely no knowledge of the family property or lawsuit that has become controversial, such as the land ownership dispute, and I have nothing to do with it.”

She continued to say about her grandfather, the late Kim Soon-heung, who was classified as a pro-Japanese collaborator, “My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him, and I grew up not knowing anything about his pro-Japanese activities.” “After reading the 2011 article, I checked my grandfather’s donation records through the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities to confirm the accuracy of the facts, and I believe that this act cannot be justified for any reason, even considering the historical background at the time.” She added, “If the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese colonial period, then I believe that it must be returned to the state.”

Lastly, Lee Ji-ah concluded by saying, “I am deeply aware of my grandfather‘s historical mistakes, and as a descendant, I sincerely apologize. I will continue to live with a humble attitude and a sense of responsibility in facing the truth of history.”

A media outlet previously reported that Lee Ji-ah’s father, Mr. Kim, was involved in a legal battle with his brothers over the 35 billion won worth of land left behind by his father, the late pro-Japanese collaborator Kim Soon-heung.

● Here is Lee Ji-ah‘s full 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 mustering up the courage to speak out, even though it is difficult.

I sincerely apologize for the delay in expressing my position.

1. Facts regarding 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 over 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 have nothing to do with it.

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.

Furthermore, 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 on, incorrect information spread in online communities and comments that I said ‘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.

Thank you.
From Lee Ji-ah.
Reporter Lee Seul-bi, Donga.com misty82@donga.com

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