Ha Young steps down from 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call Season 2'

Actress Ha Young, who recently became embroiled in controversy about her family's history, has voluntarily stepped down from the sequel to The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.

On September 1, a Netflix representative told Sports Chosun, "Ha Young has decided not to appear in the sequel to The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, and we respect the actress's wishes."

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call follows Baek Kang Hyuk (Ju Ji Hoon), a genius surgeon who has performed surgeries even in the most chaotic conflict zones. He takes on the mission of leading the underfunded and sidelined Trauma Team at a university hospital.    

Following the success of Season 1, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call Season 2 has been highly anticipated among the fans. 

Ha Young, who appeared in Season 1, had also been expected to join the installment. However, after controversy recently arose surrounding her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang Ho, she ultimately decided to step down from the project.

Ha Young recently appeared on a variety program for Our Sticky Love, where she spoke about her family's four-generation medical lineage, including her great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and older sister. During the appearance, she described her great-grandfather as someone who studied medicine in Japan before returning to Korea, establishing a Western-style medical clinic in Hanyang (present-day Seoul), and providing medical treatment to Emperor Gojong.

After the episode aired, Korean netizens speculated that the doctor she referred to was Ahn Sang Ho, a fact that her agency, BISTUS Entertainment, later confirmed. The revelation sparked controversy after historical records showed Ahn Sang Ho listed as a council member of the Daejeong Chinmokhoe, an organization associated with pro-Japanese activities, in 1916. On August 10, Ha Young's agency BISTUS Entertainment initially dismissed the allegations as "groundless", but reversed its position the following day and apologized for responding without sufficient verification.

On August 12, Ha Young posted a handwritten letter on her social media account. Despite her apology, the actress has not been able to put the controversy behind her, as the upcoming drama The Long Shot Trial is also discussing the actress's involvement with the production, with these reports preceding the news of her departure from The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call Season 2.

Source: Sports Chosun