Kim Gu's great-grandson urges actor Ha Young to show 'responsible, beautiful' response to pro-Japanese ancestry controversy

Kim Yong-man, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker and great-grandson of independence activist Kim Gu, has urged actor Ha Young — caught up in controversy over her great-grandfather's pro-Japanese collaboration — to "show a responsible and beautiful side."

Kim appeared Friday on JTBC's "Newsroom" interview segment "Dandojikip" ahead of the 81st Liberation Day, sharing his thoughts on the meaning of the independence movement and historical awareness.

When Ha Young was brought up during the interview — she has faced public scrutiny over her ancestor's pro-Japanese activities — Kim said, "When you are born as someone's child, you cannot choose your parents."

"An ancestor's path could have been one of independence activism, or it could have been one of anti-national conduct," Kim said. "I think what matters more is how you act once you learn the truth."

He added that descendants should not feel diminished by the wrongs of their forebears. What counts, Kim said, is the steps one takes going forward — and if a person looks at the past through the lens of historical justice and acts accordingly, the public will recognize it.

Kim also addressed Ha Young directly. Saying he was aware of the controversy, he said, "Personally, I hope she will show a truly responsible and beautiful side." His remarks placed greater weight on the choices and actions Ha Young takes after confronting her ancestor's record than on the record itself.