South Korean actress Han So Hee admits age discrepancy, cites mother’s criminal history

South Korean actress Han So Hee. Photo from Han's Instagram

Citing Koreaboo, Thanh Nien Newspaper reported that a recent photo circulating on social media confirmed Han’s birth year as 1993, contrary to her team’s prior claims.

On Thursday, Han addressed the issue publicly through a statement from her management company. The actress explained: "When I was about to enter the fourth grade, I was taken to [South Korean city of] Ulsan because my mother was wanted by the police."

"I had to stay home for a year without attending school," she said. "After my mother was taken into custody, I returned to [South Korean city of] Wonju and entered the fourth grade."

Reports indicate that Han’s mother has a long criminal record. In September, South Korean media covered her mother’s arrest on charges of running illegal gambling operations. Allegedly, Han’s mother had managed 12 gambling venues across Ulsan and Wonju since 2021. She had previously encountered legal issues, including fraud charges and fines for illegal gambling.

In 2020, Han issued a public apology following accusations that her mother had defrauded others.

"Writing these words with a sense of shame, I hope there will be no more victims," her apology read.

Han also disclosed that her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her grandparents. She clarified that she had limited contact with her mother and only later became aware of her mother’s debts.

"I reached out to the creditors and learned that my mother had borrowed money using my name and job as leverage without repaying it," she said. "The debt in my name became overwhelming. I deeply regret that my own lack of attention led to more victims, as my immature and inexperienced judgment led me to think that paying off her debts was the only solution."

Han rose to fame with her role in the 2020 South Korean TV series "The World of the Married" and has also attracted attention for her resemblance to acclaimed actress Song Hye Kyo.

Earlier this year, she faced controversy when she was suspected of interfering in the relationship between actor Ryu Jun Yeol and singer-actress Lee Hyeri.