Actress Lee Ji-ah (real name Kim Ji-ah) has officially addressed her family's inheritance dispute and the pro-Japanese allegations against her grandfather, Kim Soon-heung (1910–1981).

🔹 Clearing the Air on the Family Feud

On February 21, through her agency BH Entertainment, Lee Ji-ah released a statement clarifying her stance.

"I have long hesitated to speak out, but I now believe that taking responsibility and addressing the facts is the right thing to do," she said.

She denied any involvement in the legal disputes surrounding her family's inheritance and land ownership battle. "I had no knowledge of the family estate, lawsuits, or land disputes and am not involved in any way," she asserted.

Lee Ji-ah further revealed that she has been estranged from her parents for over a decade due to complicated family circumstances. "I have not been in contact with my parents for over 10 years," she admitted.

She also emphasized her financial independence: "I have been self-sufficient since I was 18 and have never received any financial support from my parents."

🔹 Addressing Her Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Past

Lee Ji-ah acknowledged her grandfather's historical controversy. "My grandfather passed away when I was only two years old, so I have no personal memories of him and had no knowledge of his actions during the Japanese occupation," she stated.

She first learned about his pro-Japanese activities through news reports in 2011. Wanting to verify the facts, she visited the Korean Institute of National History and conducted her own research.

Through this process, she discovered that her grandfather had donated war funds to the Japanese Imperial government. "Regardless of the historical context, I do not believe such actions can ever be justified," she declared.

She further stated, "If the land at the center of the current dispute in Anyang was acquired during the Japanese colonial era, I firmly believe it should be returned to the state."

🔹 Setting the Record Straight

Lee Ji-ah also addressed misinformation about her past remarks.

"I have never spoken publicly about my grandfather nor used my family background for promotional purposes," she clarified.

She also denied false claims circulating online, stating, "Some have falsely spread rumors that I once said, 'I respect my grandfather.' This is completely untrue."

🔹 Apology as a Descendant of a Controversial Figure

Closing her statement, Lee Ji-ah expressed deep remorse, saying:

"I sincerely acknowledge the historical wrongdoings of my grandfather. As his descendant, I offer my deepest apologies. I will continue to face history with humility and live with a strong sense of responsibility."

🔹 Background on the Family Dispute & Legal Battle

The controversy over Lee Ji-ah's family inheritance surfaced through The Fact on February 19. Reports revealed that her relatives are currently locked in a lawsuit over a 35-billion KRW (~$26M USD) land dispute.

Her father, identified as Kim, has been accused of forging documents during a repurchase process involving the land. Family members filed a lawsuit against him for document forgery, but the case was dismissed on February 7. They have since filed an appeal.

Lee Ji-ah's grandfather, Kim Soon-heung, is listed in Korea's Pro-Japanese Biographical Dictionary as a collaborator with Japan. He was ranked first on the list of individuals to be purged in Kim Gu's independence movement records.

Photo: BH Entertainment