'Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Controversy' Lee Ji-ah Says "Not Involved" in 35 Billion Won Land Inheritance Dispute

"If the land was acquired during the Japanese colonial era, it should be returned"
"I learned about my grandfather's pro-Japanese actions only recently"

Actress Lee Ji-ah recently expressed her position regarding the family inheritance dispute that has arisen. She also addressed the long-silenced controversy surrounding her grandfather's pro-Japanese activities.

On the 21st, Lee Ji-ah stated through her agency BH Entertainment, "I have been cautious after much contemplation, but I believe it is right to take responsibility and correct the facts, so although it is difficult, I am gathering the courage to speak out. I sincerely apologize for the delay in making this statement."

Actor Lee Ji-ah has expressed her position regarding the family inheritance dispute and her grandfather's pro-Japanese controversy. Lee Ji-ah Instagram.

Lee Ji-ah said, "Since becoming independent at the age of 18, I have never received any financial support from my parents, and due to complicated family circumstances, I have been estranged from my parents for over 10 years." She added, "I have no knowledge of, nor am I involved in, the family property or lawsuits related to the land ownership dispute that has become controversial."

Recently, Lee Ji-ah came under public attention following reports that her father, Mr. Kim, is engaged in a legal battle with his siblings over land valued at 35 billion won. According to The Fact, Mr. Kim is suspected of forging a power of attorney by using the seals of his older brother and sister during the repurchase process of land worth approximately 35 billion won left by their late father, Kim Soon-heung.

The controversy intensified particularly because the family of Kim Soon-heung is known as pro-Japanese collaborators. Lee Ji-ah’s grandfather, Kim Soon-heung, was a wealthy man who amassed his fortune by running a silk business in Jongno, Seoul, during the late period of Japanese colonial rule. He is also listed in the "Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Collaborators" for donating defense supplies to the Japanese authorities.

Regarding her grandfather’s pro-Japanese controversy, Lee Ji-ah said, "I grew up completely unaware of my grandfather’s pro-Japanese actions. I first learned about this through an article in 2011." She continued, "I visited the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities several times and reviewed related materials. During that process, I confirmed my grandfather’s donation records, and even considering the historical context of that era, I believe such actions cannot be justified for any reason."

She added, "Furthermore, if the land in Anyang at the center of this controversy was acquired during the Japanese colonial period, I believe it must be returned to the state."

Additionally, she emphasized, "I deeply recognize the historical mistakes of my grandfather and sincerely apologize as his descendant. I will continue to face the truth of history with humility and live with a sense of responsibility."