Korean Actress Lee Si-young Announces Second Pregnancy Following Divorce

Lee Si-young: Courtesy of Instagram

South Korean actress Lee Si-young has announced her second pregnancy, revealing the news through a heartfelt social media post just four months after finalizing her divorce from businessman husband Cho Seong-hyun.

The 42-year-old actress, known for her roles in popular dramas including "Sweet Home" and "Boys Over Flowers," shared the personal announcement with her followers, explaining her decision to proceed with embryo transplantation despite her marriage ending earlier this year.

A Mother's Determined Choice

Lee Si-young revealed that she and her former husband had previously prepared for their second child through in vitro fertilization during their marriage. However, as their relationship deteriorated and divorce proceedings began, the actress faced a critical decision regarding their frozen embryos.

Speaking candidly about her choice, the actress explained that the five-year embryo storage period was approaching its expiration date, forcing her to make a definitive decision about her future as a mother. Despite initial disagreement from her ex-husband, Lee Si-young ultimately chose to proceed with the embryo transplantation independently.

In her Instagram announcement, the actress reflected on her experience raising her first child, Jung Yoon, born in January 2018. She expressed regret about the anxiety and negative emotions she experienced during her first pregnancy while filming a drama series, promising herself to approach any future pregnancy with a more positive mindset.

Career and Personal Journey

Lee Si-young's career has been marked by versatility, transitioning from modeling to acting and even pursuing professional boxing before retiring in 2015 due to recurring injuries. Her acting breakthrough came with supporting roles in popular K-dramas, eventually leading to starring roles in critically acclaimed series.

The actress married restaurateur Cho Seong-hyun in September 2017, with their first child born the following year. The couple's eight-year marriage ended in March 2025, with their agency confirming the mutual decision to part ways.

Following the divorce announcement, Lee Si-young has remained active in her career, recently taking on lead roles in upcoming productions while co-parenting her seven-year-old son. Her announcement of her second pregnancy marks a new chapter in her personal life as she embraces single motherhood.

Industry Support and Future Plans

The Korean entertainment industry has shown support for Lee Si-young's decision, with many praising her courage in sharing such personal details with the public. Her transparency about the challenges of balancing career and motherhood has resonated with many working mothers in South Korea.

The actress emphasized her commitment to taking full responsibility for her decision, stating her belief that this choice represents a meaningful turning point in her life. She expressed gratitude for the new life she is carrying and described feeling more peaceful and happy than ever before.

As Lee Si-young prepares for the arrival of her second child, she continues to balance her professional commitments with her role as a mother, demonstrating the evolving landscape of modern Korean entertainment where personal choices are increasingly respected and supported.

The actress has not yet announced specific details about her due date or plans for managing her career during pregnancy, but industry sources suggest she will focus on prenatal care while continuing select professional commitments.