SBS’s new drama “The Long Shot Trial” has addressed the controversy surrounding lead actress Ha Young’s family history as filming wraps up.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the show told News1 that it’s taking the issues related to our cast very seriously, as they have from the beginning. It’s carefully discussing the situation from multiple angles with all relevant parties.
They’re also working to coordinate the remaining essential schedule, considering the practical need to minimize the impact on the numerous staff and cast members, the representative added. It asks for the understanding regarding the difficulty in confirming specific filming details at this time.
Reports circulated on the same day claiming that “The Long Shot Trial” is set to conclude filming on September 3, with Ha Young expected to complete her remaining scenes. The production team, however, maintained their stance of ongoing discussions without confirming the exact wrap date or Ha Young’s continued participation.
The controversy erupted when Ha Young’s great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, was revealed to have pro-Japanese ties during Korea’s colonial period. Her agency initially denied the allegations but later apologized after confirming Ahn’s name on a 1916 membership list of a pro-Japanese organization. Ha Young herself penned a heartfelt apology, expressing deep remorse for her ancestor’s actions.
The fallout has cast a shadow over “The Long Shot Trial,” in which Ha Young plays a leading role. On August 20, producers stated they were seriously considering the recent issues concerning the cast and in careful talks with the production company and stakeholders.
“The Long Shot Trial” is a Korean adaptation of the Japanese TV Asahi drama “Legal V: Ex-Lawyer Shoko Takanashi.” The series follows an eccentric law firm led by former attorney turned office manager Kwon Baek (played by Lee Je Hoon) as they turn seemingly hopeless cases into unlikely victories. This lighthearted legal comedy-drama stars Ha Young alongside Lee Je Hoon in the lead roles.