#SHOWBIZ: Actress Lee Si-young announces pregnancy via IVF, to raise child as single mother
This news comes shortly after finalising her divorce from restaurateur Cho Seong-hyun, with whom she has a seven-year-old son.
Lee had previously undergone IVF treatment, and with her fertilised embryos nearing their five-year expiry date, she chose to proceed with implantation despite her ex-husband Cho's disapproval.
The procedure was successful, and in a statement, Lee confirmed her intention to "bear the full burden of responsibility" for her pregnancy.
In response to an enquiry from tabloid Dispatch, Cho stated that although he did not agree with Lee's decision to implant the embryo, he would continue to "fulfil his responsibilities as a father and provide support."
Motherhood outside of marriage is generally frowned upon in socially conservative South Korea, and Lee's pregnancy has sparked considerable online discussion.
Lee is well-known for her roles in dramas such as Sweet Home, and she also garnered attention for winning an amateur boxing tournament.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
11 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Netflix pushes 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters for Oscar's Best Original Song
The energetic pop tune was co-written by South Korean-born artist Kim Eun-jae, known as EJAE and lyricist Mark Sonnenblick. KPop Demon Hunters. Photo source: Netflix SHAH ALAM – Netflix has officially selected the upbeat track 'Golden' from its animated film KPop Demon Hunters as its contender for the Best Original Song category at the upcoming Academy Awards. The energetic pop tune was co-written by South Korean-born artist Kim Eun-jae, known as EJAE and lyricist Mark Sonnenblick. KPop Demon Hunters. Photo source: Netflix If 'Golden' secures a nomination in January, EJAE would become one of the very few songwriters of Korean heritage to be recognised by the Oscars. Currently, the exclusive list features just one: Karen O, who was nominated in 2013 for co-writing 'The Moon Song'. In KPop Demon Hunters, EJAE lends her voice as part of the fictional girl group Huntr/x, portraying the character Rumi. She is joined by Audrey Nuna (as Mira) and Rei Ami (as Zoey). The film premiered globally on Netflix on June 20. EJAE is an accomplished singer-songwriter and producer, with credits including songs for major K-pop acts such as Red Velvet, aespa, LE SSERAFIM, TWICE, NMIXX and Kard. Her collaborator Sonnenblick previously contributed lyrics to the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada. The deadline for Oscar submissions in the Best Original Song category is October 15. Shortlists will be revealed on December 16, followed by official nominations on January 22. The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2.
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Running Man' host Yu Jae-seok leads celeb support for flood-hit Koreans
SEOUL: South Korean celebrities are stepping up with donations to help victims of the country's deadly floods, which have left at least 14 dead and 12 missing since last Wednesday. Popular 'Running Man' host Yu Jae-seok and actor Yim Si-wan each donated 50 million won (RM135,000) to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association last Friday, as reported by the news outlet Korea JoongAng Daily today. "My heart felt heavy with sorrow to see so many people's lives harmed by the heavy rain. I hope the damage doesn't worsen," said Yu. Yim, known for his roles in 'Squid Game 2' and the popular drama 'Misaeng', joined him in donating the same amount. Veteran actress Lee Hye-young, famous for 'Queen of Housewives' and her fashion career, contributed 20 million won. More K-stars followed suit, including singer-actress Kim Se-jeong, star of the rom-com hit 'Business Proposal' and fantasy series 'The Uncanny Counter', who donated 10 million won last Saturday. Winner member Kang Seung-yoon, who has also acted in 'Prison Playbook' and released solo tracks like 'It Rains', contributed 12 million won. Celebrity couple Park Si-eun and Jin Tae-hyun, both recognised for their acting work and charitable efforts, gave 10 million won. "We thank everyone who has helped us with their warm hearts. We will make sure to deliver such kindness to the people who have suffered," the Hope Bridge was quoted as saying in response. News agencies reported that torrential rain had triggered landslides and flooding across the country this week, with Gapyeong – a resort town northeast of Seoul – among the hardest hit. In Gapyeong, two people were killed and two others are missing after a landslide engulfed homes and floodwaters swept away vehicles.
The Star
21 hours ago
- The Star
K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines sweeps Blue Dragon awards
South Korean actors IU (left) and Park Bo-gum received the Popular Star Award at the Blue Dragon Series Awards. Photo: IU/Instagram Hit K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) dominated 2025's Blue Dragon Series Awards, taking home four trophies, including the top honour, the Grand Prize. Now in its fourth year, the annual ceremony is a spin-off of the prestigious Blue Dragon Film Awards, created to recognise excellence in South Korean streaming series. This year's event was held on July 18 at Paradise City in Incheon. The period romance emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing awards for Grand Prize, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Popular Star Award. Stealing the spotlight was singer IU, who claimed her first Best Actress award for her dual performance in the 16-episode show. She portrayed both the young version of Ae-sun and her daughter Geum-myeong, delivering a powerful portrayal that resonated with global audiences and brought depth to the emotional arcs of both characters. 'This show will remain the greatest pride of my life,' IU, 32, said onstage as she accepted the award. 'I offer my deepest respect and gratitude to all the Ae-suns who lived boldly and clearly in a world that demanded they remain unseen, and to all the Geum-myeongs who firmly planted their desires and nurtured them into reality.' Yeom Hye-ran, 48, won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gwang-rye, Ae-sun's mother. 'I've never received so many cheers and compliments in my life. I may not deserve them, but I'm deeply honoured,' she said, thanking the series' production team for their support. IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, also received the Popular Star Award alongside actor Park Medical series The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call (2025) bagged several awards, including the Top Excellence Award, the second-biggest honour of the ceremony. Cast members Ju Ji-hoon and Choo Young-woo nabbed Best Male Actor and Best New Male Actor respectively. Best Supporting Actor went to Lee Kwang-soo for his role in the Netflix crime thriller Karma (2025), while Best New Actress was awarded to Kim Min-ha – better known globally as Pachinko – for her performance in Tving's romance drama Way Back Love (2025). – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
