Actress Lee Si-Young Announces Pregnancy Through IVF Following Divorce

South Korean actress Lee Si-young announced her second pregnancy on July 8, 2025, revealing she conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using a frozen embryo created with her ex-husband during their marriage.

The 43-year-old actress, known for her role in "Sweet Home," shared the news on Instagram just four months after finalizing her divorce in March 2025.

Lee Si-young explained that she went forward with the embryo implantation without her ex-husband's consent as the five-year storage period was nearing its end. The actress stated she faced a difficult decision between discarding the embryo or getting pregnant.

"I couldn't bear the thought of discarding the embryo as its storage period was coming to an end," she wrote in her Instagram post.

The actress' agency, Ace Factory, confirmed the pregnancy to multiple media outlets. "It's correct that it is the second child of the ex-husband," the agency stated, while requesting privacy regarding specific details about the pregnancy timeline.

The South Korean star married businessman Cho Seung-hyun in September 2017, who is nine years her senior. They welcomed their first son, Jo Jung Yoon, in 2018 and had prepared for a second child through IVF during their marriage. However, the couple separated before they could proceed with the implantation, and their divorce was finalized after eight years of marriage.

Lee Si-young addressed potential controversies surrounding her decision in her lengthy Instagram post. "I wanted to share this news myself to prevent any misunderstandings or speculations that might arise in the future," she wrote. The actress acknowledged that her former partner did not agree with her decision but stated she was prepared to bear full responsibility.

The actress expressed deep emotional attachment to motherhood, describing her first child as her source of strength during difficult times in her marriage. "Being called 'mom' feels like the reason for my existence," she shared. She also reflected on regrets from her first pregnancy, promising to approach this pregnancy with a more positive mindset.

Lee Si-young acknowledged the challenges ahead as a single parent but expressed gratitude for the new life. "I am currently filled with gratitude for this new life that has come to me, and I am experiencing a peace and happiness like never before," she stated. The actress emphasized her commitment to providing for her child independently and accepting any criticism or advice regarding her decision.