Singer and television personality Lee Hyori candidly addressed recent controversy surrounding her past comments on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and her growing media presence during a guest appearance on MBC FM4U's "A Perfect Day with Lee Sang Soon" on July 8.
The episode featured Lee as part of the monthly "Monthly Hyori" segment hosted by her husband, musician Lee Sang Soon.
The former Fin. K.L. and solo star reflected on her recent surge in TV appearances, including episodes of TVN's "You Quiz on the Block" and YouTube show "Pinggyego."
"I've been on TV a lot lately," she said. "I mentioned to Yoo Jae Suk at Kim Jong Min's wedding that I wanted to appear on a YouTube show, and that led to 'Pinggyego.' Then I was contacted again for 'You Quiz,' and I hesitated at first because I was worried it might be too much, but they said it was the 300th episode, so I agreed."
Despite her appreciation for these opportunities, Lee said the attention comes with challenges. "Talking more comes with its own consequences. I try not to let my guard down," she added.
Lee also addressed renewed public scrutiny of comments she made in 2022 on MBC Every1's "The Oppa of the Tteokbokki House," where she stated her personal decision not to pursue IVF.
"I didn't want to go through IVF. I didn't want to rely on medical intervention," she had said at the time. "But if I conceive naturally, I'll be grateful and raise the child with love."
In the latest interview, Lee elaborated: "I lived a life where I was always the center—unintentionally thinking, 'I'm a celebrity, I'm Lee Hyori.' I wanted to experience a life where I could disappear for someone else."
She continued, "I recently read a book that said true selflessness doesn't only come through raising a child. It made me ask myself why I thought a child was the only way to experience unconditional love.
Even if a child doesn't come to me, I want to live with that mindset."
While many fans praised her honesty, some netizens criticized her remarks as insensitive.
"There are so many IVF babies today. That was careless," one user commented. Another wrote, "I'm in the middle of IVF and her words hurt."
Supporters defended her statement, saying, "It was a personal comment; people are being too sensitive," and "There's nothing wrong with what she said."
Lee, 45, acknowledged the weight of public expectations. "When I was younger, people excused my remarks as immaturity. Now that I'm older, I feel more responsible for what I say."
Lee Sang Soon responded with support. "You can't censor yourself on talk shows. Either you talk or you don't go at all," he said.
"It's best to just speak honestly and take responsibility for the aftermath," Lee Hyori replied, adding that many fans have expressed understanding. "There are more people who get it than not."
When asked whether her outspoken nature ever made him uncomfortable, Lee Sang Soon joked, "Not really. But sometimes people think I'm just an unemployed guy strumming a guitar all day. That's not true—I've been busy too!"
Laughing, Lee Hyori apologized: "People don't think that! But I'm sorry. If you're okay, why bring it up?"
Lee Hyori remains one of South Korea's most recognizable entertainers, known for her charisma, honesty, and influence on Korean pop culture.
