Actress Lee Ji-ah strikes a pose at a fashion brand photo call event held at Loop Station Ikseon in Seoul on the afternoon of the 15th. By Reporter Seo Byung-soo [email protected] /2023.03.15.

"Ms. Lee Ji-ah visited our research institute about 3-4 years ago seeking advice regarding her grandfather. It is not desirable to burden descendants with the pro-Japanese actions of their ancestors," said Director Lee from the Institute of National Issues. In 2021, she directly consulted with actress Lee Ji-ah regarding her grandfather, the late Kim Sun-heung's past pro-Japanese activities. Recently, amidst news of a legal dispute over the assets left by the late Kim Sun-heung involving Lee Ji-ah's father and siblings, accusations labeling Lee Ji-ah as a descendant of pro-Japanese collaborators have resurfaced. Director Lee expressed disappointment, stating, "This repeated incident should come to an end. The guilt by association must cease."

In an interview with Daily Sports on the 21st, Director Lee explained, "Around 2021, Ms. Lee Ji-ah visited our institute with her agency representatives. She wanted to know more about who Kim Sun-heung was, acknowledging him as her grandfather, but sought detailed information on his actions and severity." She continued, "During her visit, Ms. Lee candidly discussed the family issues she was experiencing." Director Lee added, "She did not express any grievances over being criticized for her ancestors' pro-Japanese activities but accepted the facts as they were and inquired about her grandfather and how to proceed as a descendant. So I advised her to take an interest in our history and study it extensively."

Expressing concern over the situation where descendants of pro-Japanese collaborators face backlash, Director Lee emphasized, "While they may feel tormented by family matters and should have a sense of responsibility, they should not be subject to blame." She further noted, "Especially around March 1st Movement and Liberation Day, there are incidents where entertainers are singled out as descendants of pro-Japanese collaborators for criticism and division, which is worrisome." Director Lee stressed, "While voluntary apologies in such situations are commendable, it is not fair to expect everyone to do so. Descendants should not bear responsibility for their ancestors' pro-Japanese actions nor face condemnation."

Regarding potential economic ties with pro-Japanese ancestors, Director Lee mentioned, "In some cases where there are economic connections with previous generations, their influence cannot be ignored. However, as far as I know, Ms. Lee Ji-ah has had little contact with her family over an extended period." She highlighted, "Linking the problem of past generations to celebrities subtly for criticism when convenient is misguided."

Lee Ji-ah spoke out for the first time regarding her grandfather's pro-Japanese issue. In a statement, she shared, "After first learning about my grandfather's pro-Japanese affiliation through an article in 2011, I visited the Institute of National Issues multiple times to verify the facts and studied the related materials." She added, "Through this process, I came across records of my grandfather's collaboration and believe that regardless of the historical context, such actions cannot be justified." Lee Ji-ah clarified, "I have no knowledge or involvement in the disputed family property or lawsuits, and the land in Anyang at the center of the controversy, if acquired during the Japanese occupation, should be reclaimed by the state." Concluding, she expressed, "I deeply acknowledge my grandfather's historical wrongdoing and sincerely apologize as his descendant. I will continue to face the truth of history humbly and live with a sense of responsibility."