Actress Returns to Set Amid Ancestral Controversy, Sparking Boycott Calls for 'There's a Chance'

Rising star Hae-young has resumed filming for the upcoming SBS drama 'There's a Chance,' just one week after a scandal erupted over her great-grandfather's alleged pro-Japanese activities. Her return to set has reignited public debate surrounding the project.

Industry insiders reported on the 20th that Hae-young took a week-long hiatus to regroup mentally and physically. This break came after the actress reportedly broke down in tears during filming on the 16th, prompting producers to halt production temporarily.

Hae-young is now back on set, adhering to her original schedule. Her agency confirmed that planned filming is proceeding as normal.

However, news of her return has rekindled the controversy surrounding her upcoming role. The actress recently came under fire when details about her great-grandfather Ahn Sang-ho's alleged collaboration with Japanese colonial authorities came to light.

The scandal erupted after Hae-young, in previous interviews, proudly claimed to come from a "fourth-generation family of doctors" while sharing anecdotes about her great-grandfather. It was later revealed that Ahn had been involved with the Daejeong Friendship Society, a pro-Japanese organization during the colonial era.

Initially denying the allegations, Hae-young's team later backtracked after further investigation. The actress herself issued a handwritten apology, stating she had only known about her great-grandfather's life through family stories.

The controversy has now cast a shadow over 'There's a Chance,' in which Hae-young stars opposite Lee Je-hoon. The drama is slated for release in early 2027.

Complicating matters is the fact that a significant portion of filming has already been completed. Replacing the lead actress at this stage would necessitate extensive reshoots, placing a considerable burden on the cast, crew, and production budget.

The show's potential air date adds another layer of complexity. 'There's a Chance' is targeting a first-half 2027 premiere, with rumors suggesting a February debut - just before the March 1st Independence Movement Day. This timing has raised questions about how Hae-young's controversy might impact viewer reception.

In response to her return, some netizens have called for a boycott of the series.

The production team now faces a difficult balancing act. They must weigh the potential fallout against the practical challenges of recasting and reshooting, all while considering the welfare of the entire production staff.

Sources close to the production say that careful deliberations are ongoing. No final decision has been made on whether 'There's a Chance' will proceed as planned or undergo significant changes.

As the controversy expands from a personal scandal to potentially derailing an entire production, all eyes are on the showrunners' next move.