I used my ex-husband's sperm to have another baby, without his consent – trolls call me selfish, but I'm so happy

The Sun

16-07-2025

A WOMAN has been branded ''selfish'' after becoming pregnant through IVF process that used her former husband's sperm ''without his consent''.
South Korean actress Lee Si-young, 43, came under fire after revealing that she had become pregnant via an embryo which was fertilised five years ago - while she was still with former partner, entrepreneur Cho Seong-hyun.
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The pair, who already share a son - seven-year-old Jung-yoon - tied the knot in 2017 when she was already 14 weeks pregnant, but announced their divorce this year, in March.
But despite the couple ''mutually agreeing to part ways'', they will now co-parent a second baby - despite Cho Seong-hyun ''not agreeing'' with the procedure.
The scandal has left the star in hot water with fans who have criticised Lee Si-young for not consulting her ex-husband before using the embryo - dubbing the decision ''extremely selfish''.
The 43-year-old announced the news on Instagram, in a now-deleted post, admitting she knows there ''may be many difficulties in the future'' - but ''wants to believe that her choice now is more valuable'', Mail Online reported.
''Eight years ago, when I had my first child, now the most important person in my life, I was not married and filming a drama,'' she wrote as per a translation via TheKTea.
''Back then, I was younger and had many shortcomings. Every time I saw Jung-yoon in my arms, I regretted and blamed myself for the time I spent with anxiety negatively.
''That's why I promised myself that if I ever got another chance, I would never regret it again. I prepared for my second child through IVF during my marriage.
''However, a long time passed without receiving the fertilised embryos, and the topic of divorce naturally came up.
''After all the legal process was sorted out, the five-year frozen embryo storage period was ending, and I had to make a choice.
''Before the disposal date, I decided to have the transplant myself.''
She added: ''Although I didn't ask for consent from the the other person, I will bear the full weight of my decision.''
The mum-of-one also expressed how grateful she was for her ''angel'' son, who helped her ''endure her troubled married life''.
''Right now, I am only grateful for the new life that came to me, and I am spending a more peaceful and happy time.
''I will humbly accept any criticism or advice you give me in the future.''
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment to help women get pregnant. Eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory and the embryo is placed in the womb.
A full cycle of IVF takes around three to six weeks to complete. It usually follows six steps, depending on the type of treatment you're having.
You use an injection or nasal spray every day for two to three weeks to stop your ovaries producing eggs naturally. You'll have an ultrasound scan to check if the medicine has worked.
Once your ovaries are no longer producing eggs, you'll inject yourself every day for two weeks with medicine that increases your egg supply. You'll have tests or scans to check how well it's working.
A doctor at the clinic collects your eggs using a needle inserted through your vagina. This takes around 20 minutes and you'll be offered medicine that makes you sleepy (a sedative).
Your partner is asked to give a sperm sample in a private room, usually while your eggs are being collected. If you're using donor sperm, it will be ready in the laboratory.
The eggs are fertilised with the sperm in a laboratory. The clinic will call you the next day to let you know how many embryos have been made and how many they might be able to use.
After a few days, an embryo is put in your womb using a thin tube inserted through your vagina. If you have more than one embryo, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of putting in more than one embryo.
If any suitable embryos are left over, they may be frozen for future IVF attempts. The clinic will discuss this with you and let you know about any additional costs, such as embryo storage.
Source: NHS
As per the Korea Times, the former partner confirmed that he will be a present parent, despite not agreeing with the process.
''Although I opposed the second pregnancy, now that the child is coming, I will do my best as a father,'' he told Dispatch.
''Lee and I have continued to communicate for the sake of our first child and we will cooperate regarding the upbringing of both children.''
Social media users were divided - while many were supportive, others were baffled by the legal implications.
One critic said: ''Uh I feel like he was kinda cornered in this situation.
''He couldn't really refuse to raise the child because they already have one child together and do you really think they would co-parent one child and not the other???
''Imagine the child grew up knowing their biologically his but that he refused to parent them. Not to mention public scrutiny.
''It's their life and I try to feel empathy for everyone involved but she shouldn't have the right to unilaterally decide to have a child with his genes lol what type of world is this...''
Another wondered: ''How do you manage to go through IVF without one person consenting? What the hell is he meant to do in this scenario exactly?
''Well the decision has been made. They already have one child with each other, hopefully he will love and care for the 2nd child despite not wanting it in the first place.
''Happy to know he's willing to be involved in the early stages already.''
The couple, who were married for eight years, were both successful in their respectful industries.