Actress Lee Si-young revealed that she is pregnant with her second child through in vitro fertilization with the frozen embryo from her former husband, who she separated from earlier this year. The public opinion is sharply divided. There are supportive reactions for Lee Si-young's choice to become pregnant, while some question whether it is possible to get pregnant without the consent of her ex-husband.
On the 8th, Lee Si-young announced her second pregnancy via social media. She said, “I was preparing for my second child through in vitro fertilization during my marriage. However, a long time has passed without receiving the implanted embryo, and discussions about divorce naturally arose. Just as all legal relationships were being sorted out, coincidentally, the expiration period for the frozen embryo was approaching.”
Lee Si-young stated that she decided to receive the frozen embryo, noting, “The other party did not agree, but I intend to fully bear the weight of the decision I made.” This has caused shock. Her ex-husband did not consent to this second pregnancy. There has been no clear stance regarding whether he disagreed with the implantation itself or if the process was conducted without consulting him.
Lee Si-young explained, “I have always longed for a child and did not want to repeat the regret I felt through Jung-yoon. I simply could not bring myself to discard the embryos, which were nearing their preservation period.” She added, “There may be numerous difficulties in the future, and I have contemplated various scenarios, but even considering all of that, I want to believe my choice now is more valuable. Looking back, what has always been most precious in my life is my child.”
She added, “I will humbly accept any criticisms or advice that may come my way. And with gratitude for the baby that has found me once again, I will live my life with deep responsibility to ensure that my child lacks nothing, even as a single parent.”
A representative from Lee Si-young's agency, Ace Factory, confirmed to OSEN, “It is true that Lee Si-young is recently pregnant. It is the second child from her former husband.” They also noted, “We ask for your understanding that we cannot provide specific information outside of this matter as it pertains to personal privacy.”
In the wake of the news of Lee Si-young's second pregnancy and her revelation that she became pregnant without her ex-husband's consent, public opinion among netizens is divided. One netizen commented, “Isn’t it a decision to raise a child as entirely your own? I support this. I wish for a beautiful baby to be safely born and live happily.” Others also reacted with comments such as, “If there was consent during the procedure, then there’s no problem with the implantation,” “The mother seems likely to raise the child well,” and “I wish for healthy delivery and happiness.”
However, some expressed sharp opinions, stating, “It’s truly a loophole that this is possible without consent,” “Why is one trying to fill the emptiness in their life with a child? Does having money and ability make everything possible? It seems like there was no real thought for the child,” “It’s not that Lee Si-young lacks the ability to raise a child alone, but the fact that the pregnancy progressed without the consent of the other party is shocking,” and “Surely there must have been consent when the embryos were created and frozen. Is it reasonable for my child to be born without my knowledge after five years?”
Amid the heated debate among netizens, Lee Si-young's ex-husband, Mr. Jo, stated through Dispatch, “It is true that I did not agree to the second pregnancy,” but added, “However, since a second child has come, I intend to fulfill my responsibilities as a father. I am willing to discuss anything necessary regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.”
He also added regarding parenting, “Even after separating from Lee Si-young, we have frequently communicated about raising our first child. The same will apply for the second child. Both as a mother and a father, we will do our best.”
Meanwhile, Lee Si-young married businessman Mr. Jo, who is 9 years older, in 2017 and gave birth to their first child in 2018. The couple finalized their marriage after eight years with a separation earlier this year.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]