Singer Lee Hyori's past remarks have resurfaced, stirring discussions online. Lee's comments regarding her plans for a second child, saying, "I am grateful if the baby comes naturally, but I don't want to undergo fertility treatments," have sparked a debate. While some criticized her statement, saying she should have been more cautious, others showed support, stating, "We respect Lee Hyori's life."

Lee Hyori mentioned her plans for a second child while appearing on MBC Every1's "The Oppa of Tteokbokki House" in 2022. At that time, she said, "I don't want to go as far as fertility treatments. I don't feel desperate enough to rely on medical help," adding, "If it happens naturally, I would be incredibly grateful. In fact, I know someone who gave birth at 58."

She further expressed her conviction, stating, "The desire to have a child stems from wanting to have love and commitment. I feel like I've been living too self-centeredly, and I want to experience something where I become absent for something else." However, she also noted that she was greatly impressed by the story of an Indian woman who said she would live as a mother to everyone, indicating her philosophical stance that she would not be overly fixated on the existence of a child.

Furthermore, Lee Hyori has consistently revealed her plans for a second child through various broadcasts. In 2020, she openly shared on MBC's "How Do You Play?" that she was currently taking herbal medicine, and during her time with Refund Expedition, she mentioned, "I was advised by a doctor to refrain from drinking. I told my husband, Lee Sang-soon, to quit smoking," conveying that she was working hard toward pregnancy. On TVING's "Seoul Check-In," she stated, "It's not as easy as I thought," sharing her honest struggles with infertility.

However, recently, Lee Hyori's comments regarding fertility treatments were once again highlighted in an online community, reigniting the debate. In the comment sections of the article, criticisms arose such as, "She should have considered couples undergoing fertility treatments," and "Public figures should be careful with their words." On the other hand, some defended her, saying, "She did not reject fertility treatments but merely expressed her personal choice," and questioned, "Why should Lee Hyori be criticized when she didn't criticize anyone?"

Some internet users expressed concern that "those undergoing treatments might be hurt because natural conception isn't happening," while others remarked, "Why is it a problem if she wants to live her life her way?" and "Celebrities have the freedom to have their own opinions."

Most importantly, in this controversy, it should be noted that Lee Hyori did not directly criticize others or disparage fertility treatments, raising questions about whether her 'personal decision' regarding her life plan is receiving excessive criticism.

While Lee Hyori attracts more attention as a celebrity and public figure, she is also living her life as a woman and a wife. Her choice to "be grateful if it happens naturally" can serve as comfort to some, while evoking other thoughts in others, making her words potentially a source of courage for some.

"I will live as a mother to everyone, even if I don't have my own child," reflects her commitment, demonstrating that diverse voices on a life approach without a clear answer coexist.

[Photo] OSEN DB, Broadcast Capture

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