SBS postpones 'There Is a Chance' following controversy over actress Oh Ha-young's great-grandfather's pro-Japanese activities

The broadcasting of the SBS drama 'There Is a Chance', starring actress Oh Ha-young, has been postponed amid controversy regarding the alleged pro-Japanese activities of her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho. Although the production was originally targeted for a February release next year, the historical controversy surrounding one of its lead actors has impacted the broadcast schedule. Given the large number of staff and cast members involved, the postponement is expected to have significant repercussions.

SBS announced on the 19th that it has decided to adjust the scheduling for 'There Is a Chance.' "As this is a production made with many staff and cast members, we are considering various options from multiple angles, but a specific broadcast timing has not yet been finalized," the network stated. While the policy to change the scheduling has been made official, a conclusion regarding the future broadcast schedule has not been reached.

'There Is a Chance' is a comedic legal detective drama starring actors Lee Je-hoon and Oh Ha-young. The story centers on a ragtag legal office led by a current office manager who is a former lawyer. Combining legal cases with comedy, the work was originally scheduled to meet viewers next February. However, plans changed as the controversy surrounding Oh Ha-young's family history surfaced ahead of the broadcast.

The controversy stems from allegations of pro-Japanese activities by Oh Ha-young's great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho. The issue spread online, prompting Oh Ha-young to express her apologies as a descendant, stating, "As a descendant, I sincerely apologize." Following this, she has suspended her activities, including withdrawing from seasons 2 and 3 of the Netflix series 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.'

This postponement is notable as an instance where controversy surrounding an individual has affected an entire completed drama. When issues involving a lead actor's private life or family history intersect with the release of a work, it inevitably creates variables for the production team, other cast members, scheduling plans, and broadcaster operations. In particular, for dramas involving significant human and capital investment, the burden is high as the direction of the entire project can be shaken by the controversy of a single actor.

SBS stated it is reviewing various options considering the production staff and cast involved, but it has not presented specific alternatives. It remains undecided whether the scheduling will be postponed indefinitely or if the broadcast will be pursued at a later time. Ultimately, the direction of the work can only be gauged once future scheduling plans are finalized.

The vacancy left by 'There Is a Chance' will be filled by the baseball drama 'Full Count,' starring Kim Rae-won and Park Hoon. 'Full Count' tells the story of individuals who stake everything to secure a position as a professional baseball manager. While SBS has adjusted its schedule by replacing the gap with another drama, the broadcast timing for 'There Is a Chance' remains uncertain.

This matter demonstrates that historical controversies can have a practical impact not only on the activities of entertainers but also on the release of works and broadcast scheduling. However, the extent to which social evaluation of a family's past actions should be linked to the individual responsibility of a descendant is a separate matter. As the aftermath of the controversy affects many people involved in the production, attention is focused on what decision SBS will make.

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