Ha-young (real name An Ha-young) has long been active in the advertising industry as a “refined elite model.” After debuting on KBS2’s *Doctor Frizner* in 2019, she continued her work in Netflix original series such as *Mid‑Century Medical Center* and *Chaengyook*, gaining attention from the brand‑model market. However, recently Ha-young sparked controversy with remarks about An Sang-ho (the first Korean to pass a Japanese‑style medical exam).
An Sang‑ho passed the Japanese‑style medical exam in 1918 and served as “Jeon‑ui” by opening a clinic at Seoul’s Jongro and visiting the royal court. In reference to this historically significant figure, Ha‑young said she was from a “fourth‑generation doctor family” and called him a “pro‑Japan single‑party.” These remarks stirred debate in the press and public, becoming part of the phenomenon known as “광고계 (광고계블루칩).”
Ha‑young has collaborated with numerous brands, including Artid and Samseong Art TV. In 2023 she participated in Samsung Art TV’s ad campaign at Asia’s largest art fair *Hong Kong*, which was praised as “effective marketing” and boosted brand awareness. After the controversy, Ha‑young withdrew her advertising content from public view and halted some collaborations. As a result, Artid ended its contract last year; the released material has been described as an archival content for “brand history.”
The debate on how광고계 influences consumer choice is often cited as a case that simultaneously verifies brand recognition and actual purchase conversion. Whether Ha‑young can again be cast as a “brand model” in this controversy remains uncertain, but she continues to play the lead role in projects such as *Mid‑Century Medical Center Season 2* and *Seung-san Is It*, contributing to her brand credibility. Through these phenomena, Ha‑young demonstrates that the notion of an elite model can be revived in advertising.