In a shifting cultural landscape, female celebrities in South Korea are boldly choosing motherhood, even in the face of heartbreak or societal expectations. From model Moon Ga-bi to actress Lee Si-young, stars are rewriting what it means to be a mother in the public eye.
Moon Ga-bi’s Private Journey, Public Strength
Moon Ga-bi, a model and TV personality, shocked fans in November 2023 when she revealed she had secretly given birth. After a four-year hiatus from the spotlight, she reemerged, announcing: “I wanted to show my child only the bright, beautiful world I once saw, and for that, I had to be brave.” Though initially silent on the identity of her child’s father, it was later confirmed to be veteran actor Jung Woo-sung.
Moon Ga-bi clarified that she never demanded marriage or anything else from him after her pregnancy. “We ended things naturally, but our child was a mutual decision,” she said. “I’ve chosen to dedicate my life to raising this child and that decision became the greatest gift to myself.” Her statement resonated with many, highlighting a powerful form of maternal independence.
Lee Si-young’s Groundbreaking Decision
On July 8, actress Lee Si-young, known for her athletic prowess and powerful acting roles, announced that she is expecting her second child months after finalizing her divorce. She was married to businessman Jo Seung-hyun, with whom she has a son. The couple divorced earlier this year after eight years of marriage.
Lee Si-young explained that her second pregnancy came through an embryo transfer she decided on alone. “During our marriage, we prepared for a second child through IVF, but never completed the process,” she shared. “As the legal relationship ended and the five-year embryo preservation period neared expiration, I made the decision to proceed with the transfer.”
Though her ex-husband did not consent, Lee Si-young stated, “I will bear full responsibility for this decision. I didn’t want to repeat past regrets. I wanted to reaffirm my reason for being a mother.”
More Than Motherhood: A Statement of Autonomy
Both women have demonstrated extraordinary agency and maternal devotion. Their choices speak not only to a deep-rooted love for their children but also to an empowered embrace of self-determination. In a society where single motherhood, particularly in the public eye, remains rare, their stories are prompting admiration and critical conversation.
A source in the entertainment industry noted, “Female celebrities choosing childbirth and parenting regardless of relationship status marks a generational shift. What once would’ve drawn backlash now gains public support and encouragement.”
As Moon Ga-bi and Lee Si-young step forward not just as stars, but as mothers who made bold, autonomous choices, they are helping to redefine womanhood in Korean entertainment and beyond.
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