Without the ex-husband's consent, Lee Si-young undergoes in vitro fertilization… Legal experts say, 'There may be legal liability.'

Actress Lee Si-young announced that she is expecting her second child through in vitro fertilization with her ex-husband, causing a significant stir, and the controversy is spreading as experts raise issues regarding legal responsibility.

On the 8th, Lee Si-young said through her social media, "I prepared for my second child through in vitro fertilization during our marriage, but as time passed without implantation, discussions about divorce began to naturally arise. As the legal arrangement was nearing completion, the 5-year expiration date for embryo storage was approaching, and instead of disposal, I decided to proceed with the implantation." She continued, "Although my ex-husband did not consent, I will bear all the responsibility myself," expressing her determination to raise the child without any shortcomings.

Her agency also confirmed to OSEN that "It is true that Lee Si-young is pregnant recently," acknowledging that the father of her second child is her ex-husband, but they requested to refrain from mentioning specific personal matters.

However, following this confession, discussions regarding legal issues began to arise. Lee Hyun-gon, a lawyer and former judge of the Seoul Family Court, pointed out on his social media, "There are sufficient legal issues present."

The lawyer explained, "Since Lee Si-young's second child is not a child born during the marriage, a recognition process is necessary after birth," adding, "The biological father can voluntarily recognize the child, or a legal father-son relationship can be established through a paternity lawsuit." If a legal father-son relationship is established, all rights and obligations, including child support, inheritance rights, and parental rights, will follow.

He further indicated, "The decision to implant the embryo without the ex-husband's consent raises the possibility of legal liability," noting, "Regardless of the feelings between the parties or whether there is an agreement, the father-son relationship and the corresponding legal obligations are clearly a matter judged by the law."

In response, her ex-husband, Mr. Cho, told Dispatch, "It is true that I did not agree to the second pregnancy," but added, "Since a life has already been created, I will fulfill my responsibilities as a father." While some are sending support for Lee Si-young's courageous decision, there are also calls for a social discussion on complex bioethics and legal issues, including ownership of embryos and the question of the ex-husband's consent.

Lee Si-young married a businessman 9 years her senior in 2017 and gave birth to her first son the following year. Earlier this year, she concluded her 8-year marriage with a divorce. Now, as a mother of two children, attention is focused on what implications her renewed journey will have amid the law, ethics, and public scrutiny.

[Photo] OSEN DB

[OSEN]

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