'Divorced' Lee Siyoung Personally Reveals Second Pregnancy
"After Divorce, Decided on Embryo Transfer as Storage Period Expired"
"Ex-husband Opposed, But I Will Take Responsibility for My Decision"
Actor Lee Siyoung, who announced her divorce in March, has revealed that she is pregnant with her second child after undergoing a frozen embryo transfer. The embryo, which was fertilized and frozen during her marriage to her ex-husband, was implanted after their divorce. Controversy has arisen because Lee became pregnant through in vitro fertilization without her ex-husband's consent.
On July 8, Lee Siyoung shared on her social networking service (SNS), "I am currently pregnant," she said. "The reason I am sharing this here first is because I believe it is better to prevent misunderstandings and speculation that may arise in the future," explaining why she decided to announce her pregnancy directly.
Lee Siyoung expressed regret over the difficult times she experienced eight years ago when she was pregnant with her first child due to her busy schedule and anxiety. She said, "Because of that, I promised myself that if life ever found its way to me again, I would never repeat the same regrets."
She explained, "During my marriage, I prepared for a second child through in vitro fertilization, but a long time passed without actually transferring the fertilized embryo, and naturally, discussions about divorce also began." She continued, "Around the time all legal ties were being settled, the five-year expiration date for embryo storage was approaching. As the deadline for disposal neared, I personally made the decision to have the embryo transferred." She added, "Although the other party did not agree, I intend to bear the full weight of my decision."
Lee Siyoung emphasized, "I simply could not discard the embryo as the storage period was coming to an end." She continued, "What allowed me to endure even the difficult times in my marriage was just one thing: the angelic child who filled me with happiness, hope, and emotion. Having a child who calls me 'Mom' made me feel as if this life is the very reason for my existence." She added, "I am only grateful for the new life that has come to me, and I am spending a more peaceful and happy time than ever before. I will humbly and gratefully accept any criticism or advice that comes my way in the future."
In response, her ex-husband stated, "Although I was initially opposed, I will fulfill my responsibilities." Lee Siyoung's ex-husband, identified as Mr. Cho, told Dispatch on the same day, "It is true that I did not agree to the second pregnancy, but now that there will be a second child, I will fulfill my responsibilities as a father." He added, "Since we have our first child, we have stayed in frequent contact. We will discuss what is needed for the birth and upbringing of the second child and do our best in our respective roles."
Following Lee Siyoung's revelation, her SNS was flooded with messages supporting her decision. Most netizens left supportive comments such as "A decision worthy of respect," "I can feel your genuine love and desire for your child," "You will be a great mother," and "Congratulations on your pregnancy." On the other hand, some voiced criticism, saying, "Even if it's not a legal issue, isn't this ethically problematic?" and "How could you choose to become pregnant without your ex-husband's consent?"
Lee Siyoung married Cho, a well-known restaurateur, in September 2017, and gave birth to a son four months later, in January of the following year. Cho currently runs a beef restaurant in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He entered the restaurant business in his twenties and was called the "Little Baek Jongwon." He also launched a salad cafe named after Lee Siyoung. However, in March of this year, the couple ended their marriage after eight years.
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