Lee Si Young, who recently made international headlines for announcing a second pregnancy via IVF using a frozen embryo without her ex-husband’s consent, is now facing criticism online, this time for a restaurant etiquette controversy during a recent trip to the United States.
On Wednesday, Lee Si Young posted a video to her social media account along with the caption: “Last day. This restaurant at Long Island Beach is just beautiful? If you ever come to the U.S., you must visit! I’m definitely coming back next year. Jung Yoon was so sad to leave and wanted to stay in the U.S. longer…. Let’s come for a longer trip next year. Bye!”
The clip shows Lee enjoying a seaside meal at a scenic beachside restaurant with her son and friends. While the stunning sunset provided a picturesque backdrop, the post quickly drew criticism, particularly over privacy concerns and perceived breaches of dining etiquette.
In the video, a foreign woman seated nearby is clearly shown on camera, her face fully visible and unblurred. Lee Si Young had apparently set up the camera near the woman’s table to capture a sweeping view of the restaurant, inadvertently recording the woman eating, without consent or privacy protections like face blurring.
The clip triggered online debate, with many questioning the ethics of posting footage featuring identifiable individuals in a private dining context. Critics argued that even in a public setting, patrons should have the right not to be filmed, particularly without notice or consent.
Lee Si Young’s son also drew attention in the video for his behavior during the meal. Rather than remaining seated, he was seen moving between tables, dancing, and appearing to disturb other diners. The same woman filmed in the video was visibly uncomfortable, glancing multiple times at the child and the camera setup.
Social media users were quick to voice their disapproval: “Even if she had permission to film, shouldn’t the faces of unrelated individuals be blurred before uploading a public post?” one commenter asked. “And if her son is in first grade, he should be learning basic manners, especially in public settings.”
Another added: “This kind of conduct abroad reflects poorly on South Koreans. It comes off as disrespectful to others.”
Lee Si Young, a former national boxer turned actress, has also been at the center of public debate in recent months over her pregnancy.
In September 2017, Lee Si Young married a non-celebrity restaurateur. The couple welcomed a son but divorced in March 2025 after eight years of marriage.
On July 8, Lee Si Young revealed that she is pregnant with her second child after undergoing in vitro fertilization using a frozen embryo that had been preserved from her marriage. What stirred public debate was that the embryo was implanted without her ex-husband’s consent.
Addressing the decision, Lee Si Young stated: “As the disposal deadline approached, I made the decision to go ahead with the implantation. Even though the other party did not agree, I fully intend to take responsibility for this choice.”
She added that she does not regret her decision and is prepared to face the consequences alone.
