Lee Ji-ah Breaks Silence on Family Controversy and Pro-Japanese Ties (Full Statement)
2025-02-21 14:51
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Lee Ji-ah stated that she has been financially independent since the age of 18.
Actress Lee Ji-ah has spoken out for the first time regarding her family’s recent legal disputes and her grandfather’s pro-Japanese activities during the colonial era. After years of maintaining silence, she has now released an official statement, clarifying her stance on these sensitive issues.
On February 21, through her agency BH Entertainment, Lee Ji-ah shared that she had given deep thought before deciding to address the controversy. In her statement, she discussed her estranged relationship with her family, her lack of involvement in the ongoing inheritance dispute, and her position on her grandfather Kim Soon-heung’s pro-Japanese actions. She also issued a heartfelt apology.
Distancing Herself from Family Disputes
Lee Ji-ah emphasized that she has been financially independent since she was 18 years old and has not received any financial support from her parents. She further clarified that due to a complicated family history, she has been estranged from them for over 10 years.
Regarding the ongoing family inheritance and land ownership dispute, she firmly stated, "I have no knowledge of the family’s property disputes and have no involvement in the legal proceedings."
For the first time, Lee Ji-ah publicly addressed the allegations against her grandfather, Kim Soon-heung. She revealed that she had no personal memories of him, as he passed away when she was just two years old and that she was unaware of his pro-Japanese actions growing up.
Lee stated that she first learned of the allegations through a 2011 news report. Since then, she has personally visited the Korean Institute of Historical Studies multiple times to study the records and verify the details.
"Regardless of the historical context, my grandfather’s actions cannot be justified in any way." She also took a firm stance on the land at the center of the controversy, stating:
"If the disputed land in Anyang was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it should be rightfully returned to the state."
Refuting Misinformation and Public Misconceptions
Lee Ji-ah also addressed false rumors circulating online, particularly claims that she had expressed admiration for her grandfather. She denied ever making such statements and refuted accusations that she had used her family background for media promotion.
"I have never spoken about my grandfather in such a way, nor have I leveraged my family’s name for publicity."
A Public Apology and Commitment to Historical Awareness
Lee Ji-ah concluded her statement with a sincere apology for her grandfather’s past, emphasizing her responsibility as a descendant. "I deeply acknowledge the historical wrongdoing of my grandfather and sincerely apologize as his descendant. I will continue to approach history with humility and a sense of responsibility."
With this statement, Lee Ji-ah has firmly distanced herself from both the inheritance dispute and her grandfather’s actions. The focus now shifts to whether her words will be enough to quell the controversy and how this will impact her career moving forward.
Official Statement from Lee Ji-ah
"Hello, this is Lee Ji-ah.
I would like to address the recent reports regarding my family.
After much thought and deliberation, I have decided that it is my responsibility to clarify the facts. Though this is difficult, I believe it is the right thing to do. I sincerely apologize for the delay in issuing this statement.
1. Regarding the Family Dispute
I became independent at the age of 18 and have not received any financial support from my parents since then. Due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over 10 years. I want to make it clear that I have no knowledge of or involvement in the family property dispute or ongoing lawsuits regarding land ownership.
2. My Stance on My Grandfather’s Controversy
My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, and I grew up without any personal knowledge of him or his actions. It was only in 2011 that I first became aware of the allegations through media reports. Since then, I have visited the Korean Institute of Historical Studies multiple times to verify the facts and educate myself on the historical context. Through this process, I confirmed records of my grandfather’s activities, and regardless of the historical circumstances, I believe that his actions cannot be justified for any reason.
Furthermore, if the disputed land in Anyang was acquired during the Japanese colonial period, I believe it should be returned to the state.
3. Final Remarks
I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather nor have I used my family background for media promotion. However, false claims that I “respected my grandfather” have circulated online, and I want to set the record straight—this is simply not true.
Lastly, I deeply acknowledge my grandfather’s historical wrongdoings and sincerely apologize as his descendant. I will continue to approach history with humility and a strong sense of responsibility.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lee Ji-ah"
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