"Japan's Daycare Centers Ban Candy" Ayane's Long Explanation.. Daycare Teacher's Stance Revealed [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

"In Japan, there are recommendations not to give candy to children under three, and many daycare centers actually ban it."

"In Japan, the expression 'shock' is sometimes used simply to mean 'surprised'."

"I was able to practice no-salt diet at 24 months due to circumstances, but at-home care before 36 months was realistically difficult, so I could not do it."

"Singer Lee Ji-hoon's wife, Ayane, posted another long explanation regarding the controversies over 'candy served at daycare' and 'baby no-salt diet' that she had previously shared on her personal account. This follows her earlier request to delete an article that misunderstood her as 'attacking daycare centers.' Ayane also released a Kids Note post written by a daycare teacher.

"On the afternoon of the 10th, Ayane posted on her personal account: 'I am addressing the story where many of you offered advice. The daycare center contacted me first yesterday, and we spoke until this morning. If the article, which contained content that could be misunderstood, was published and spread, causing hurt to the teachers, I sincerely apologize.'"

"Ayane stated, 'The director mentioned that the article was more sensational than the content I posted on the story, and my mother must have been more flustered. I also apologized to the teacher in charge, explaining that there was no such intention. Although the teacher said there was no misunderstanding, I apologized again. Even if that was not my intention, if there was room for the listener to interpret it that way, I believe I was wrong. I should have explained in more detail, or I should not have posted it on the story. Since I posted only the emotion of being surprised at that moment without a detailed explanation, it seems it led to more misunderstanding.'"

"Ayane said, 'I lived in Japan for 20 years and became familiar with the culture of giving snacks to children. This time, I experienced the Korean daycare culture for the first time and felt the difference. However, it seems the misunderstanding grew because I used only the expression 'shock' without explaining the details in depth. In Japan, there is a trend recommending not to give candy to children under three, and many daycare centers actually ban candy and other sweets. Therefore, I was surprised not by the meaning 'My child ate candy at daycare?' but by the fact that 'there is a culture of serving candy at daycare.' I had also seen news reports before stating that candy, jelly, and rice cakes were banned at daycare centers, and there were parts where I was confused because the packaging said 'candy.' However, I also know well that living abroad for a long time does not allow me to impose my values. This does not mean that Korean daycare centers serving candy are wrong. I believe that the types of candy and the way they are served differ by country, and it is right to live according to each culture. I believe that when in Rome, one must follow the customs of Rome.'"

"Ayane explained, 'I did not feel shocked by the situation itself, but rather I was surprised by the cultural difference that I had not experienced before, which is why I used the expression 'shock.' I believe my child is growing in a good environment while attending daycare in Korea. I have never had any complaints about it, nor have I ever thought that Japan is better. Also, in Japan, the expression 'shock' is used relatively lightly and in everyday situations. It is sometimes used simply to mean 'surprised' rather than a truly serious situation, and I used it with that nuance as well. I did not think that eating one piece of candy would cause a big problem for the child, nor did I intend to express it with a serious meaning. It seems there was a difference between the nuance of the expression I thought and the nuance accepted in Korea.'"

"Furthermore, Ayane said, 'I know that even if I watch over them, children will eventually eat everything. I just wanted to do my best within the limits of what I can do. I have never forced anyone or made rude requests to the daycare center, nor do I plan to in the future. However, I feel truly sorry to the daycare teachers that my SNS post could be perceived in that way.' She added, 'The daycare center told me that many parents want to avoid such situations and that there was no problem with their response, and I was truly grateful for that. If such a response was difficult or burdensome, I had even considered reconsidering sending my child to daycare, so I was very grateful that they said it was possible, which is why I decided to send my child. In fact, I was also considering at-home care. However, the daycare center I wanted to join contacted me in order, and when I went for a trial visit with my child, I loved seeing my child get along with other friends. Seeing that, I felt that my child also needed time with friends rather than just at-home care. Additionally, I was working while going through miscarriage, IVF treatments, and the pregnancy process, so I decided to send my child to daycare. Among the comments, there were reactions like 'You are talking nonsense about no-salt diet,' and many people asked, 'Then why did you entrust your child to daycare before 36 months?' I was able to practice no-salt diet at 24 months due to circumstances, but at-home care before 36 months was realistically difficult, so I could not do it.'"

"Finally, Ayane said, 'I am truly grateful that the daycare center director and teachers understood this situation and recognized it as a misunderstanding. If there were anyone who felt uncomfortable after reading my post, I hope this article helps to resolve the misunderstanding even a little. Since I am raising a child for the first time, I have many cultural and knowledge gaps. I am grateful for both advice and criticism. I am also truly thankful for the supportive comments and DMs. However, it is very regrettable that the article used sensational expressions and concluded that I abused my power or attacked a specific target, causing the existing misunderstanding to spread as if it were fact. The content I originally posted was interpreted in a completely different direction. Since I am posting on a public account, it is natural to hear various opinions. However, even after I explained that my intention was misunderstood, I hope there will be no more malicious comments and DMs that use profanity or bring up content unrelated to this incident.'"

"Along with this, Ayane also released a post from the Kids Note of Luhee's homeroom teacher. The teacher said, 'When I first encountered this through the article, I was a bit flustered, but these days there are so many sensational article titles, excessive public opinion mobilization, and harsh comments, so I hope you are not too swayed by that atmosphere.' She added, 'Most importantly, I think your mother's heart must be very heavy, and since there is a baby in your womb, I hope you do not get too stressed. I know well how much you love and raise Luhee, so I have no misunderstanding. On the contrary, I am grateful that you shared your feelings so honestly and reached out first. I will continue to take good care of Luhee beautifully.'"

"Ayane added, 'I am posting this with the permission of the daycare teachers.'"

"Previously, Ayane recently posted on her personal account that her daughter Luhee seemed to have eaten candy at daycare, writing, 'I was shocked because she is still on a no-salt diet.' After this post spread, a controversy arose with the label 'attacking daycare centers.' Ayane stated, 'No-salt diet is a mother's choice. I have never forced it on anyone or given it up, so I am doing it. I think I can stop talking about the no-salt diet. Whether to give snacks with meals or not is not such a big deal. It is all a mother's choice.'"

"Amid this, husband Lee Ji-hoon posted a photo of his daughter Luhee on his personal account on the 9th, saying, 'The days since Children's Day until Parents' Day are new for Luhee, as it is the first time she is celebrating these holidays. Soon it will become another memory, but every day is always happy and joyful. I love you because of you, Luhee. I can see my face when I was young.' He also indirectly apologized, saying, 'Our Luhee is on a no-salt diet (we do not dye her hair either). I am sorry for being so particular.'"

"Lee Ji-hoon and Ayane overcame a 14-year age gap and married in 2021, giving birth to their first daughter, Luhee, through IVF treatment."

"Below is the full text of the post Ayane uploaded as an image."

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*This content was translated by AI.