Meet the stars with independence fighters in their family trees

As Korea prepares to commemorate the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Japanese colonial rule on Saturday, the issue of pro-Japanese activities within families has sparked controversy. Among those affected are several K-pop and entertainment stars who are descendants of Korean independence fighters.

Chungha, the singer, is one such individual. Her maternal grandfather, Kim Yong-geun, was a prominent independence and pro-democracy activist during Japan's colonial era. For his efforts, Kim was awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1990 and recognized as a distinguished service provider during the May 18 Democratization Movement in 2002.

Prior to Japan's rule, Kim defied the Japanese-imposed worship at Shinto shrines and even founded an assassination squad aimed at the Japanese governor-general. His actions did not go unnoticed, as he was imprisoned during the May 18 Gwangju Uprising for sheltering students fleeing martial law troops.