Actress Ha Young will not be appearing in the upcoming seasons of the Netflix series ‘Designated Survivor,’ following a controversy surrounding her family’s historical ties. Netflix confirmed on October 1st that they would respect the actress’s decision to withdraw from the production.
Controversy Erupts Over Ancestral Ties
The controversy began when Ha Young, who had a role in the series, was involved in a public debate regarding her family’s alleged collaborationist history during the Japanese colonial era. Initially, Ha Young’s agency stated the claims were unfounded. However, as more evidence emerged, including historical records indicating her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, was listed as a member of the ‘Daejeong Chimokhoe’ (a pro-Japanese organization) in 1916, the situation escalated.
Following the verification of these historical records, Ha Young’s agency issued a formal apology. They admitted to a hasty response of ‘unfounded’ without sufficient verification, causing public confusion. The agency stated, “We sincerely apologize for causing distress with our insufficient response. Actress Ha Young is also deeply reflecting on the distress caused by this incident and will approach her activities with a more cautious and sincere attitude moving forward.”
Ha Young’s Personal Apology and Reflection
Ha Young herself posted a personal apology, expressing her regret. She stated, “Through this incident, while directly researching related materials, I learned about my great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities. I deeply regret having spoken so lightly about my family’s history without properly knowing the painful history of our nation during the Japanese occupation.”
She continued, “The fact that I was unaware cannot be an excuse to turn away from or trivialize that history. I humbly accept the past and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I will thoroughly study my family’s history and the era, and adopt a more serious approach to history moving forward. Furthermore, I will diligently study our history and do my utmost to honor the independence activists and all those who contributed to our nation’s liberation and peace.”
Impact on Upcoming Productions
Despite Ha Young’s apology, public sentiment led to significant backlash, with many calling for her removal from upcoming projects, including the new season of ‘Designated Survivor’ and the SBS drama ‘Revenant.’
A representative for ‘Revenant’ stated that the matter was under internal discussion. Similarly, the production team for ‘Designated Survivor’ commented, “The production of the subsequent season is still under discussion, making it difficult to confirm the filming schedule or casting at this time.”
While Ha Young was initially slated to appear in seasons 2 and 3 of ‘Designated Survivor,’ her decision to withdraw has now been finalized, reportedly at her own request. The production team stated, “We will respect the actress’s position and have decided that Ha Young will not appear in the subsequent parts of ‘Designated Survivor.'”
‘Designated Survivor’ Series Background
‘Designated Survivor,’ a popular Netflix original series, is based on a webtoon of the same name. The story follows Baek Kang-hyuk, a genius foreign affairs expert, who takes on the responsibility of leading the ‘Designated Survivor’ team to save the nation. The first season, released in January of last year, received considerable love, paving the way for plans for seasons 2 and 3.
The series delves into the intense narrative surrounding Baek Kang-hyuk’s efforts to rebuild the renowned Designated Survivor team amidst national crises. The show’s success in its initial run highlighted its potential for continued storytelling, making the current casting situation a significant development for the series’ future.
The controversy surrounding Ha Young’s family history has cast a shadow over the anticipation for the new seasons. While the production team has emphasized respecting the actress’s decision, the public’s reaction underscores the sensitivity surrounding historical narratives and national identity in South Korea. The resolution of this casting issue will be closely watched by fans of the series and the broader entertainment industry.
Further details regarding casting changes and production timelines for ‘Designated Survivor’ are expected to be announced as discussions progress. The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by public figures regarding their personal histories and their potential impact on their professional careers.
