
Lee Hyori opens up about recent media spotlight and IVF controversy on husband Lee Sang Soon’s radio show.
Singer Lee Hyori shared her thoughts on her recent flurry of media appearances and addressed the resurfacing of her past comments on IVF during an appearance on MBC FM4U’s 'A Perfect Day with Lee Sang Soon' on July 8th KST.
Joining the monthly 'Monthly Hyori' segment on the show hosted by her husband Lee Sang Soon, Hyori reflected on her busy schedule, which recently included tvN’s 'You Quiz on the Block' and the web show 'Pinggyego.'
“I’ve been on TV a lot lately,” Hyori noted, explaining how her back-to-back appearances with Yoo Jae Suk came about. “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.”
She added, “I’m thankful for the opportunities, but talking more comes with its own consequences. I try not to let my guard down.”
Hyori also addressed the resurfacing of her 2022 comments on MBC Every1’s 'The Oppa of the Tteokbokki House,' where she had spoken candidly about not wanting to undergo IVF.
“I didn’t want to go through IVF. I didn’t want to rely on medical intervention. But if I conceive naturally, I’ll be grateful and raise the child with love,” she said at the time. She had added that a 58-year-old acquaintance of hers had given birth, which gave her hope.
On the radio show, she reflected further: “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.”
However, this personal reflection sparked controversy online, with some criticizing her comments as insensitive to those going through IVF. Netizens commented, “There are so many IVF babies today. That was careless,” and “I’m in the middle of IVF and her words hurt.” Others defended her, saying, “It was a personal comment; people are being too sensitive,” and “There’s nothing wrong with what she said.”
Feeling the weight of public scrutiny, Hyori confessed: “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 supportively, “You can’t censor yourself on talk shows. Either you talk or you don’t go at all.” Hyori agreed, saying, “It’s best to just speak honestly and take responsibility for the aftermath.”
She added that many fans have shown understanding: “There are more people who get it than not.”
When asked if her husband was ever uncomfortable with her public remarks about him, Lee Sang Soon replied, “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!”
Hyori laughed and offered an apology, “People don’t think that! But I’m sorry. If you’re okay, why bring it up?”
SEE ALSO: Lee Hyori divulges on how she maintains her slim physique