As discussion surrounding actress Ha-young’s great-grandfather expands, Japanese companies have taken down advertisements and related content has been removed one after another. The developments are unfolding in succession, including the distribution of Netflix videos and her withdrawal from a drama.
Online discussion surrounding actress Ha-young’s great-grandfather has expanded, affecting the treatment of related advertisements and promotional content. It has emerged that Japan’s Panasonic took Ha-young’s advertisements offline in 2020. Although the brand has made no official announcement, the move is believed to have taken into account the public reaction.
In addition, brands that previously featured Ha-young have removed her image from related content, while distribution of radio and television programs in which she appeared has ended or been taken offline. As these broad changes in how her work is handled continue, interest among fans and viewers remains high.
Last month, Netflix Japan released a roughly 3-minute-47-second compilation video featuring characters played by Ha-young who live true to themselves. The timing of its release has drawn criticism.
While investigating uncertainties surrounding her ancestors, Ha-young learned of a past described as pro-Japanese and issued an apology. Following the continued controversy, she withdrew from the Netflix series “The Trauma Code 2,” and SBS has also adopted a cautious stance toward its new drama.