Ha Young leaves 'The Trauma Code' after family controversy

Actor Ha Young, known professionally as Ahn Ha-young, will not reprise her role as nurse Cheon Jang-mi in the upcoming season of Netflix's medical drama, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call." The streaming giant announced the decision on Tuesday, citing the controversy surrounding the actress' great-grandfather's alleged pro-Japanese activities during Korea's colonial period under Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945.

Ha Young had apologized for the controversy last month, expressing her shame and acknowledging she had only partial knowledge of her great-grandfather's life. The actress appeared in the first season of the hit show and was scheduled to shoot the second season alongside co-stars Ju Ji-hoon and Choo Young-woo. During an appearance on KBS talk show "Problem Child in House" last month, Ahn revealed her great-grandfather's pursuit of Western medicine in Japan, noting that medical practice runs through four generations in her family.

The remarks, made shortly before Liberation Day, sparked public scrutiny of her great-grandfather's actions during the colonial era, leading to further criticism after her agency downplayed the allegations as baseless.