Han So-hee criticized by Japanese netizens for posting picture of independence activist

Actor Han Soo-hee, right, and the photo she posted of Ahn Jung-geun [SCREEN CAPTURE/NEWS1]

Actor Han So-hee is facing criticism from Japanese netizens after posting a photo of independence activist Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) on her social media Sunday.

Han posted a photo of the independence activist along with seven other photos on her Instagram account on Sunday, in relation to the recently released Netflix original series she starred in, “Gyeongseong Creature.”

Ahn is known for having assassinated former Japanese Prime Minister Hirobumi Ito at Harbin Station in 1909. The two figures, Ahn and Hirobumi, are viewed very differently in Korea and Japan: Each is considered a hero in one country, while a terrorist in another.

"I'm disappointed in Han for posting a picture that disregards the feelings of the Japanese,” one Japanese netizen wrote on the actor's Instagram post.

Other comments criticized Han for her post, such as: “It’s inevitable that Han must be anti-Japanese,” and “I’m no longer a fan of Han.”

“I want to see [the TV series], but some courage is needed to see it as a Japanese,” another Japanese netizen wrote. “It’s a bit sad to see [Han’s] post as a fan.”

“It’s sad, but it’s the truth,” Han replied. “Thank you for taking courage.”

Other Japanese fans responded more positively. “Thank you for giving Japanese fans the opportunity to turn their eyes to the past,” one said.

Numerous Korean users left comments showing support for Han’s post and criticizing the Japanese for calling Han anti-Japanese.

“Thank you for being a good influence, though I'm sure it would have been difficult to post about such an issue as an actor. I’m so proud [of you],” one Korean netizen said.

Han recently starred in the Netflix original series “Gyeongseong Creature.” The story takes place in the spring of 1945 and centers around the lives of people who confronted the "monsters" of the era.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]