Lee Ji-ah: “Cut ties with family… I do not justify my grandfather’s pro-Japanese actions, and I apologize as a descendant” (Full Text)

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[MyDaily = Reporter Kang Da-yoon] Actress Lee Ji-ah has spoken about her father’s inheritance dispute and her grandfather’s pro-Japanese controversies.

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On the 21st, through her agency BH Entertainment, Lee Ji-ah stated, “I would like to express my position regarding the recent reports. After a long period of considering and being cautious, I have decided that it is right to correct the truth even now, so I gathered the courage to do so despite the difficulty.”

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Firstly, Lee Ji-ah addressed her father’s recent inheritance disputes, saying, “I became independent early at the age of 18 and have not received any financial support from my parents. Due to a complicated family history, which I am ashamed of, I have been disconnected from my parents for over 10 years. I am not aware of or involved in the recent controversies regarding family wealth or the land ownership dispute.”

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She also expressed her stance on her grandfather’s pro-Japanese controversy. Lee Ji-ah mentioned, “My grandfather passed away when I was two, and I have no memories of him. I also grew up unaware of his pro-Japanese actions. It was only through articles in 2011 that I first learned about it, and I visited the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities multiple times to verify the facts and study related materials.”

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She continued, “During this process, I confirmed my grandfather’s donation records, and regardless of the historical context at that time, I believe such actions cannot be justified for any reason. I also think that if the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it should be reclaimed by the state.”

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Concluding, Lee Ji-ah stated, “I have never made any statements about my grandfather in the past nor have I promoted through my family. However, incorrect statements claiming I’ve said ‘I respect my grandfather’ have spread online, which is not true, so I want to correct this.”

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She added, “Finally, I deeply recognize my grandfather’s historical mistakes and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I will continue to approach the truth of history with humility and live with a sense of responsibility.”

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▲ Below is the full official statement from Lee Ji-ah.

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[Lee Ji-ah’s Official Statement]

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Hello, this is Lee Ji-ah.

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I am conveying my stance regarding the recently reported issues.

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After long contemplation and careful consideration, I believe it is right to fulfill my responsibility by setting the record straight, even if it is difficult, so I speak with courage.

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I sincerely apologize for the delayed statement.

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1. Facts regarding the family dispute

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I have received no financial support from my parents since I became independent at 18, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from my parents for over 10 years.

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I am not aware of and not involved in the recent controversies regarding family assets or the land ownership dispute.

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2. Stance regarding the grandfather’s pro-Japanese controversy

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My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, and I have no memories of him, nor was I aware of his pro-Japanese activities.

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I first encountered this fact through an article in 2011, and I have visited the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities multiple times and checked related materials to confirm the accuracy of these facts.

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During that process, I confirmed my grandfather’s donation records, and regardless of the historical context then, I believe that such actions cannot be justified for any reason.

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I also believe that if the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it must be returned to the state.

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3. Closing remarks

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I have never made any statements about my grandfather in the past, nor did I publish promotional articles leveraging my family.

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However, false information spread online and through comments claiming that I said ‘I respect my grandfather,’ which is not true, so I want to correct this.

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Finally, I deeply recognize my grandfather’s historical mistakes and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I will continue to face the truth of history with humility and live with a sense of responsibility.

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Thank you.

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Lee Ji-ah Dream.

, [HOT NEWS], , , , , , ‘Reporter Kang Da-yoon ([email protected])’,