South Korean actress Lee Si-young has spurred public discussion with her revelation that she had given birth to her second daughter from a frozen embryo created with her ex-husband, reportedly without his consent.

According to entertainment outlet Panchoa, the actress announced the news on November 5 through her personal social media account. She posted a photo holding her newborn and wrote a heartwarming caption.

"I consider this a gift from God to my mother. I will make Jeong-yoon and Ssik-ssik (their names) happy forever."

The 41-year-old actress, who has appeared in a string of dramas like Sweet Home and No Mercy, previously hinted that her second child was a daughter during an online exchange with an acquaintance.

The birth was confirmed by her agency, Ace Factory, on Nov. 6, but it refused to disclose other details about the baby. The agency representative said that they will keep the timing private out of respect for the family.

READ MORE: Lee Si-young Expecting Second Child Alone—Ex-Husband 'Shocked'

The popular Korean online community TheQoo reported that Lee Si-young married a businessman, referred to as "A," back in 2017 and had a son with him. The marriage of the two ended in divorce eight years later, in March 2025.

Prior to the separation, in vitro fertilization produced several embryos that were preserved; during divorce proceedings, Lee is said to have opted to implant one of these embryos without the consent of her ex-husband.

In July, the actress publicly announced her decision. She introduced her statement by saying that she was ready to take full responsibility.

"My partner did not consent, but I intend to bear the full weight of the decision I made."

The revelation sparked heated debate online as people's reactions seesawed between sympathy and criticism. One wrote on TheQoo, "I do wish the kid grows up well, but this is such a selfish act." Another commented, "I'm more shocked that it's lawful to have a child even without consent."

Since then, legal and ethical questions of IVF consent have dominated online forums: some defended Lee's right to make personal choices, while others questioned the morality and legality of the act under South Korean law.

Neither Lee Si-young nor her ex-husband has since given further public comment on the situation, as of press time.

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