Lee Si-young Welcomes Second Child, a Daughter, Amidst Divorce and IVF Journey
South Korean actress Lee Si-young has announced the birth of her second child, a daughter, on November 5th, sharing the joyous news on Instagram. The 43-year-old star, known for her roles in Sweet Home and Salon De Holmes, described her newborn as a “gift from God” and posted heartwarming photos of herself and the baby in the hospital.
A Daughter Named ‘Strong’
Lee intends to ensure a happy future for both her children, including her seven-year-old son, Jung-yoon, and her new daughter, affectionately nicknamed “Shik Shik-ie,” which translates to “strong” in Korean. The actress shared a photo of Jung-yoon alongside the announcement, highlighting the family’s expanding circle.
Navigating Pregnancy After Divorce
The arrival of Lee’s daughter follows a complex personal journey. She publicly revealed her pregnancy in July, explaining that it was achieved through a frozen embryo transfer following her divorce from restaurant entrepreneur Cho Seong-hyun, which became public in March after nearly eight years of marriage.
Lee detailed the circumstances surrounding her decision in an Instagram post on July 8th, stating, “I prepared for my second child through in-vitro fertilisation during my marriage.” She explained that the fertilized embryo had not been implanted initially, and as divorce proceedings began, the approaching five-year embryo storage limit prompted a difficult choice.
According to Lee, the decision to proceed with implantation was made without her former husband’s consent, and she fully accepted responsibility for raising the child independently. Cho Seong-hyun initially expressed reservations about the decision to South Korean media outlet Dispatch, given their divorced status, but later affirmed his commitment to fulfilling his paternal responsibilities.
A Marathon Runner and Dedicated Mother
Lee’s dedication extends beyond her acting career and personal life. Demonstrating remarkable physical strength and determination, the actress participated in the 2025 Sydney Marathon in August while approximately seven months pregnant. She completed a 5km race with Jung-yoon on August 30th and followed it up with a solo 10km race the next day.
Recent Roles and Future Endeavors
Lee Si-young was most recently seen in the comedy-action drama Salon De Holmes (2025), where she portrayed one of four housewives who embark on amateur sleuthing adventures. The role showcases her versatility as an actress and her ability to balance demanding professional commitments with her personal life.
