Meet the stars with independence fighters in their family trees
Ahead of the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule on Saturday, pro-Japanese activities by actor Ha Young's great-grandfather have stirred controversy. As National Liberation Day approaches, here are some K-pop and entertainment stars who are descendants of Korean independence fighters. Chungha Singer Chungha's maternal grandfather, Kim Yong-geun, was an…
As Korea marks the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Japanese colonial rule on Saturday, controversy has arisen over pro-Japanese activities linked to the great-grandfather of actor Ha Young. In recognition of National Liberation Day, several K-pop stars and entertainment personalities have been identified as descendants of Korean independence fighters.
Among them is singer Chungha, whose maternal grandfather, Kim Yong-geun, was a staunch independence and pro-democracy activist. During Japan's occupation, Kim actively opposed the forced worship at Shinto shrines and even formed a group aimed at assassinating the Japanese governor-general. However, his assassination plot ultimately failed.
Additionally, Kim played a role in the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, where he sheltered students fleeing martial law forces. This uprising erupted on May 18, 1980, when citizens in the southwestern city of Gwangju protested the nationwide extension of martial law.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Meet the stars with independence fighters in their family trees koreatimes.co.kr
