Actress Lee Ji-ah (46, Kim Ji-ah) has taken a direct stance on the controversy surrounding her late grandfather, Kim Soon-hung, who is classified as a pro-Japanese collaborator, stating, "If the property was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it must be recovered by the state."
On the 19th, The Fact reported that Lee Ji-ah's father, Kim Mo, the son of the late Kim Soon-hung, who is classified as a pro-Japanese collaborator, is engaged in a legal battle with his siblings.
Kim is accused of forging a power of attorney using the seals of his older brother and sister during the process of redeeming land worth approximately 35 billion won left by Kim Soon-hung. It has also been revealed that he has a history of being sentenced to prison for forgery and fraud.
In response, Lee Ji-ah officially stated through her agency BH Entertainment on the 21st, "I have been cautious and have thought about this for a long time, but I believe it is right to take responsibility to correct the facts, so I am speaking up with courage, even though it is difficult," and added, "I sincerely apologize for the delay in expressing my position."
Lee Ji-ah revealed, "Since I became independent at the age of 18, I have never received any financial support from my parents, and it is embarrassing, but due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from my parents for over 10 years." She also stated, "I have no knowledge or involvement in the family property or the lawsuit regarding the ownership of the land in question."
Lee Ji-ah explained, "My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him, and I grew up completely unaware of his pro-Japanese activities," adding, "I first learned about this fact through an article in 2011 and visited the Institute for Research in Ethnic Issues several times to verify the facts and study related materials."
She continued, "During that process, I confirmed my grandfather's donation records, and considering the historical context of that time, I believe that such actions cannot be justified for any reason. If the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it must be recovered by the state," expressing her stance on the issue.
Lee Ji-ah stated, "I have never made any statements about my grandfather in the past, nor have I ever published promotional articles using my family name. However, there has been a spread of false information online and in comments claiming that I said I 'respect my grandfather,' which is not true, and I want to correct that."
She added, "I deeply recognize the historical wrongs of my grandfather and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I will continue to face the truth of history with humility and live with a sense of responsibility."
In December 2011, during an interview, Jeong Dae-cheol, then a senior advisor of the Democratic Party, revealed that Lee Ji-ah's family was a significant wealthy family even before liberation, and they were not just wealthy but also had virtue, as they donated money earned from a silk shop in Jongno to educational projects, drawing attention.
In response, Lee Ji-ah's agency at the time stated, "Lee Ji-ah is indeed the granddaughter of the late Kim Soon-hung. It is also true that Kim Soon-hung contributed his personal funds for the site of the Seoul Arts High School, which was relocated in 1976."
However, it later became controversial as Kim Soon-hung was suspected of being a large landowner during the Japanese occupation and a contributor to the Japanese military, and he was listed as a top target for purging pro-Japanese collaborators by Kim Gu of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, as well as being included in the 'Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Collaborators.'
<Below is the full statement from Lee Ji-ah>
Hello, this is Lee Ji-ah. I would like to share my position regarding the recent reports.
I have been cautious and have thought about this for a long time, but I believe it is right to take responsibility to correct the facts, so I am speaking up with courage, even though it is difficult.
I sincerely apologize for the delay in expressing my position.
1. Facts Regarding the Family Dispute
Since I became independent at the age of 18, I have never received any financial support from my parents, and it is embarrassing, but due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from my parents for over 10 years.
I have no knowledge or involvement in the family property or the lawsuit regarding the ownership of the land in question.
2. Position on the Controversy of My Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities
My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him, and I grew up completely unaware of his pro-Japanese activities.
I first learned about this fact through an article in 2011, and I visited the Institute for Research in Ethnic Issues several times to verify the facts and study related materials.
During that process, I confirmed my grandfather's donation records, and I believe that such actions cannot be justified for any reason, even considering the historical context of that time.
Furthermore, if the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it must be recovered by the state.
3. Final Remarks
I have never made any statements about my grandfather in the past, nor have I ever published promotional articles using my family name.
However, there has been a spread of false information online and in comments claiming that I said I 'respect my grandfather,' which is not true, and I want to correct that.
Finally, I deeply recognize the historical wrongs of my grandfather and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I will continue to face the truth of history with humility and live with a sense of responsibility.
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
