Controversy is escalating over the appearance of a Japanese actor, known to be a descendant of war criminals, in the new music video by the band Hyeok-o.
Hyeok-o will release their new single "Godspeed!" at 6 p.m. on the 18th. This marks their first new song since the EP "Love" was released in 2020, approximately six years later.
Controversy erupted after the music video was previewed one day before the digital release. The lead role in the music video was played by Japanese actress Ando Sakura, whose great-great-grandfather was Inukai Tsuyoshi, a former prime minister of Japan.
Inukai Tsuyoshi served as the 29th Prime Minister of Japan's cabinet from 1931 to 1932 during the period of Japanese colonial rule over Korea.
In 1896, he contributed an article titled "How to Modernize Korea" to the magazine "The Japanese." The article contained content suggesting that "ignorant Koreans must work to provide for robust bodies without indulging in luxury, for the sake of noble Japanese people." His son, Inukai Takehiko, was a former Minister of Justice.
Netizens commented on Hyeok-o's music video with remarks such as: "The actress whose great-great-grandfather was the target of Yi Bong-chang's assassination attempt," "Why include a royal war criminal descendant in the music video?" "They knew about the controversy but quietly uploaded it anyway," "I had high expectations for this new song after six years, and hearing this news is so disappointing. The song itself is still as good as expected," and "It's only been a few days since Liberation Day. Don't claim you didn't know."
in ENTERTAINMENT
