South Korean Actress Lee Si-young Faces Backlash Over IVF Pregnancy Decision After Divorce

Lee Si-young: Courtesy of Instagram

South Korean actress Lee Si-young has found herself at the center of a contentious debate after announcing her second pregnancy through in vitro fertilization, using a frozen embryo created with her ex-husband without his consent. The 43-year-old actress revealed via Instagram on July 8 that she is currently pregnant with a child conceived using a frozen embryo created with her ex-husband five years ago, despite his lack of consent.

The controversy stems from the fact that the procedure was carried out without the consent of her ex-husband, as the five-year storage period for the frozen embryo neared its expiration. The actress explained that she had prepared for a second child through IVF during her marriage, but divorced before receiving the fertilized embryos.

Public Response and Social Media Deletion

The public reaction to Lee Si-young's pregnancy announcement has been deeply divided. While some supporters praised her decision as courageous, others raised significant legal and ethical concerns about proceeding with the IVF procedure without proper consent from the biological father.

As the controversy intensified across social media platforms and news outlets, Lee Si-young ultimately deleted her original Instagram post announcing the pregnancy. The decision to remove the post suggests the actress may have been unprepared for the scale of the public backlash that followed her revelation.

Legal Expert Weighs In on Consent Issues

Legal experts have questioned the actress's decision, with one noting that "the fact that the child was conceived via IVF without the consent of the ex-husband could raise legal concerns." The case has highlighted complex questions about reproductive rights, consent, and the legal status of frozen embryos following divorce proceedings.

The controversy has sparked broader discussions about reproductive autonomy and the rights of both parties in cases involving frozen embryos after relationship dissolution. Legal professionals emphasize that the relationship between adults and the legal father-child relationship are separate matters that require careful consideration.

Ex-Husband's Response and Future Responsibilities

The ex-husband has acknowledged the situation, stating: "It is true that I did not consent to the second pregnancy. However, since we are already expecting the second child, I plan to fulfill my responsibilities as a father." He indicated willingness to discuss pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare matters with Lee Si-young moving forward.

Lee Si-young married a businessman nine years her senior in 2017 and welcomed their first child, a son, the following year. The couple divorced in March 2025 after eight years of marriage, just months before the actress's controversial pregnancy announcement.

Industry Impact and Ongoing Debate

The case has generated significant discussion within South Korea's entertainment industry and broader society about the boundaries of reproductive rights and personal autonomy. The actress, known for her roles in various television dramas and films, has maintained that she will "bear the full weight of the decision" she made.

As the debate continues, the case serves as a precedent for future discussions about reproductive rights, consent, and the complex legal landscape surrounding assisted reproduction technologies in South Korea. The outcome may influence how similar cases are handled in the future and could prompt legislative discussions about embryo storage and consent requirements.

The controversy underscores the evolving nature of family law and reproductive rights in modern society, where technological advances in fertility treatment create new ethical and legal challenges that existing frameworks may not adequately address.