Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Lee Si-young announces pregnancy after divorce, sparks debate over embryo use
Actor Lee Si-young poses during a press conference for ENA’s drama “Salon de Holmes” at a hotel in Seoul, June 16. Newsis
By Baek Byung-yeul
Actor Lee Si-young revealed Tuesday that she is expecting her second child, just four months after her divorce from restaurateur Cho Seong-hyun.
“My ex-husband did not agree, but I have decided to bear the full weight of this decision,” the 43-year-old wrote on her Instagram. “I could not bring myself to discard the embryo that was nearing the end of its storage period. My life as a mother has always been my greatest source of strength.”
During her marriage, Lee and Cho underwent IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment. The fertilized embryo was not implanted at the time. As their relationship ended and the five-year storage period for the frozen embryo approached expiration, Lee decided to proceed with the implantation despite Cho’s opposition.
“When I had my son eight years ago, it was before getting married and while I was filming a drama. Each year, I regretted and blamed myself for the moments I spent in anxiety. I always wanted children and I never wanted to repeat the regrets I felt with my first child,” she continued.
Her case is very exceptional in Korea, as it is almost unheard of for someone to use a frozen embryo after divorce without the other party's consent.
Lee acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying, “There may be many difficulties in the future. But even considering all possibilities, I want to believe that my choice now is more valuable.”
Public reaction has been divided. Some have praised Lee’s courage and dedication, while others have raised ethical and legal concerns about using a frozen embryo without mutual consent. This case is expected to spark broader discussions about reproductive rights and parental responsibility.
Her ex-husband Cho responded that he will fulfill his responsibilities as a father even though he didn’t agree with Lee’s decision.
“Although I opposed the second pregnancy, now that the child is coming, I will do my best as a father,” he told Dispatch, a local entertainment publication. “Lee and I have continued to communicate for the sake of our first child and we will cooperate regarding the upbringing of both children.”
Lee made her debut in 2008 and is known for roles in “Boys Over The Flowers” (2009) and Netflix series “Sweet Home” (2020). She is also known for her boxing skills, becoming a member of the national boxing team in 2013. She married Cho in 2017 and their first son was born in 2018. The couple announced their divorce in March after eight years of marriage.