Musical actress Song Sang-eun has finally addressed a controversial statement she made 15 years ago about her father, actor Song Young-chang, who was convicted for crimes involving minors. On July 2, 2025, Song Sang-eun took to her social media to clarify the remarks that had sparked discomfort among many.
In a detailed post, she acknowledged that her past comment, where she said she was "proud" of her father despite his criminal record, had caused unease. "I have long been aware that many people felt uncomfortable with my expression from 15 years ago," she wrote. She explained that her words stemmed from a failure to distinguish clearly between recognizing her family's faults and loving them. "It was a shortcoming of mine, and I have spent a long time reflecting on it," she admitted.
Song Sang-eun emphasized that since the interview, she has lived cautiously, mindful of every word she utters. However, she expressed concern over a recent online post falsely attributing to her statements denying her father's wrongdoing. "There are posts circulating that include words I never said and should never have said," she said. "I was worried those posts could hurt the people who support me." She reached out to the original poster, who thankfully removed the content, preventing further spread.
Her father, Song Young-chang, was sentenced in 2000 to 10 months in prison with two years of probation for violating the Juvenile Protection Act. Specifically, he was found guilty of paying minors for sexual relations on two occasions. As a result, he faced a permanent ban from appearing on the three major terrestrial broadcasters of the time—KBS, EBS, and MBC.
Following the scandal, Song Young-chang briefly operated a restaurant near Yeouido, Seoul, before making a comeback in 2004 with the film Detective. He continued to appear in various films and dramas, including notable works such as Doctor Cha Jeong-sook, Good Boy, The Attorney, and Veteran. More recently, he gained renewed attention for his role as Lim Jeong-dae in the popular Netflix original series Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3.
Song Sang-eun herself debuted in 2011 with the musical Spring Awakening. Since then, she has built a steady career in musical theater, starring in productions like Black Mary Poppins, Bungee Jump, That Day, Rebecca, and Accidentally Happy Ending. Her talents also extend to television dramas, including Sejak, The Enchanted and Wedding Impossible. Recently, she announced her marriage on July 1, 2025, sharing that she met her husband through a school alumni connection and dated for seven years before tying the knot.
The resurfacing of Song Sang-eun’s past comment coincided with her father’s recent appearance in Squid Game 3, which reignited public interest and scrutiny. This renewed attention prompted her to confront the lingering discomfort caused by her earlier words and to set the record straight regarding her stance on her father's past.
Her heartfelt message reflects a nuanced perspective on family loyalty and personal accountability. By distinguishing between acknowledging wrongdoing and continuing to love a family member, Song Sang-eun offers insight into the complexities faced by those connected to public figures with troubled histories.
Her proactive approach to addressing misinformation and her call for understanding highlight the delicate balance public figures must maintain when personal histories intersect with public scrutiny. Despite the challenges, Song Sang-eun expressed gratitude for the support she has received and pledged to live sincerely and positively going forward.
