Ha-young Faces Backlash but Returns to Seung-san: A Sympathy Play?

Actress Ha-young made her return to the filming set of SBS's Seung-san after a brief emotional break that followed intense backlash surrounding her family’s controversial history. On the 20th, she returned to the set after shedding tears and taking a week's pause to regroup.

Previously, Ha-young appeared on KBS 2TV's show Problematic Men, where she proudly revealed her family lineage. She mentioned that her great-grandfather was a renowned physician who treated Emperor Gojong. However, this did not prepare her for the storm that erupted when it was revealed that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, was a pro-Japanese figure during the Japanese occupation.

The revelation stoked outrage particularly because Ha-young had boasted about her 'medical family' in various broadcasts, referencing their legacy over 80 times. This detail fueled a backlash from the public, with many questioning her integrity and calling for her to withdraw from Seung-san.

With about 90% of filming already completed, the call for her exit has put SBS in a tough position. If she were to be replaced, significant portions of the existing footage would need to be scrapped, leading to costly reshoots and scheduling conflicts. On the flip side, retaining her in the lead role could risk the drama’s reputation and viewer ratings, further complicating the situation for the network.

SBS has stated they are handling the matter seriously and will engage in thorough discussions with the production team and other stakeholders. However, no decisions regarding her departure or the eventual airing of the drama have been finalized.

Set to premiere just days before Korea's Independence Movement Day on February 26, 2027, Seung-san is a remake of a popular Japanese drama produced by TV Asahi. The proximity of this premiere date to her family's history amplifies the pressure surrounding Ha-young, as public sentiment remains mixed. The series follows a ragtag law firm led by a former attorney turned office manager, Kwon Baek, played by Lee Je-hoon, while Ha-young portrays a rookie attorney known for her diligence but lacking connections.

As debates continue online about whether she is an unfortunate victim or deserving of criticism, the production of Seung-san finds itself entangled in the wider fallout from this controversy, leaving SBS to navigate a narrative that is increasingly fraught with public scrutiny.