South Korean actress Lee Si Young, 43, known for her appearances in Boys Over Flowers (2009), and Netflix’s Sweet Home series, recently announced her pregnancy in an Instagram post.

She revealed she had conceived the child via in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), by using a frozen embryo created with sperm from her now ex-husband.  However, his consent was not sought before she went through with the procedure.

Si Young was married to restaurateur Cho Seong Hyun for eight years. The pair, who have a seven-year-old son together, announced their divorce in March this year.

In her post, Si young wrote about how much she loves her son, Jeong Yoon. She shared how she found out about her pregnancy when she was filming a drama. It was also before she and Seong Hyun got married.

“I was younger then and had many shortcomings. Every time I look at Jeong Yoon in my arms, I regret and blame myself for the time I spent being negative and anxious. It's why I promised myself I would never repeat the same regrets if I ever got another chance at life,” she wrote.

She and her ex-husband had frozen their eggs and sperm cells after having Jeong Yoon. They were prepared for a second child, but they did not receive news of a fertilised embryo until their divorce. 

Si Young said the five-year freeze period for embryos was approaching and she decided to go for the procedure before their disposal date.

“The other party disagrees with what I did but I intend to bear full responsibility.”

She said she was only able to endure her “difficult married life” because of her son, and the happiness, hope, and inspiration he brought her. The actress, who always wanted another kid, said she could not bring herself to discard the embryo.

Si Young knows she might face a lot of difficulties in the future but still stands by her decision.

“Right now, I'm grateful for the new life that has come to me, and I am at peace and happier than ever,” she wrote, adding that she would accept all criticism and advice given to her in the future. 

Si Young’s announcement sparked polarising comments online. 

Many expressed their support, calling her decision a “courageous” and “beautiful” one.

However, there were those who believe the decision should have only been made with her ex-husband’s consent, adding that he will soon have a biological child “he did not agree to having”.

Some also said Si Young’s decision might set a dangerous precedent on parental rights and shared responsibility, and that might affect an unborn child’s future.

According to reports, Si Young’s ex-husband confirmed he did not consent to the pregnancy, but has said he is willing to "fulfil his duty as a father now that the child exists".

Photos: leesiyoung38/ Instagram, sweethomedrama_official/ Instagram