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Actress Lee Ji-ah Breaks Silence on Family Controversy After 20 Years

According to a report on the 19th, Lee Ji-ah's father is involved in a legal dispute with his siblings over land owned by her grandfather, who was classified as a pro-Japanese collaborator. Some media outlets also reported that her father was sentenced to prison for forgery and fraud.

She explained, "I was unaware of my grandfather's pro-Japanese activities until I first encountered the information in a 2011 article. Since then, I have visited the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities multiple times to verify the facts and study related materials." She added, "I deeply recognize the historical wrongdoings of my grandfather and sincerely apologize as a descendant. I will continue to face historical truths with humility and live with a sense of responsibility."
Lee Ji-ah's secret marriage to Seo Taiji and subsequent divorce, along with a lawsuit for alimony and property division, was revealed in 2011, causing a stir. It was reported that she was 16 at the time of marriage. She also briefly dated actor Jung Woo-sung publicly before breaking up. The label of being a 'descendant of pro-Japanese collaborators' further tarnished her image, making it difficult for her to be positively received.

Throughout her career, Lee Ji-ah has refrained from expressing grievances or venting emotions when embroiled in controversies. This demeanor has played a significant role in building trust with the public. The industry is now watching to see if Lee Ji-ah can clear past misunderstandings and steer her career in a positive direction.
Reported by Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr