Actress Lee Ji Ah (real name Kim Ji Ah) has spoken up about the controversy surrounding her family's inheritance dispute, as well as about her late grandfather, Kim Soon Heung, a classified pro-Japanese collaborator during the Japanese colonial period.
Previously, media outlets reported that Lee Ji Ah's father, Kim, was currently involved in a legal dispute with his 2 siblings over land left behind by the late Kim Soon Heung, worth approximately 35 billion KRW (~ $24 million USD). Kim is facing accusations of forging power of attorney forms using the seals of his older brother and sister to claim ownership of the inherited land.
On February 21 KST, Lee Ji Ah released a personal statement through her agency, BH Entertainment, to explain her position in the matter. She relayed,
"Hello, this is Lee Ji Ah.
I would like to express my stance regarding the recent reports.
I have contemplated this matter for a long time and have been cautious in addressing it. However, I believe that taking responsibility and correcting the facts is the right thing to do. Though it is difficult, I am gathering the courage to speak up.
I sincerely apologize for the delay in expressing my position.
1. Facts Regarding the Family Dispute
Since becoming independent at the age of 18, I have never received any financial support from my parents. Though it is painful to admit, due to complicated family circumstances, I have been estranged from my parents for over ten years.
Thus, I have no knowledge of or involvement in the disputed family assets, lawsuits, or the conflict over the land in question.
2. My Stance on My Grandfather’s Pro-Japanese Allegations
My grandfather passed away when I was 2-years old, so I have no memory of him, nor did I grow up knowing about his pro-Japanese activities.
I first learned about this issue through a news article in 2011. I then visited the Center for Historical Truth and Justice multiple times to verify the facts and study the relevant materials.
During this process, I confirmed records of my grandfather’s contributions. Regardless of the historical context, I believe that such actions cannot be justified for any reason.
Furthermore, if the land in Anyang, which is at the center of the current controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, I believe it should be returned to the state.
3. Final Remarks
I have never made any statements about my grandfather in the past, nor have I ever promoted myself using my family's background.
However, false claims have spread online suggesting that I once said, 'I respect my grandfather.' This is not true, and I would like to correct this misinformation.
Lastly, I deeply acknowledge my grandfather’s historical wrongdoings and sincerely apologize as his descendant. Moving forward, I will continue to face historical truths with humility and live with a sense of responsibility.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lee Ji Ah."
Meanwhile, according to the Records of Pro-Japanese Collaborators, the late Kim Soon Heung was awarded the 'Order of Merit for Service to the Empire' by the Japanese government in April, 1944, for his monetary contributions to national defense funds.
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