Lee Ji-hoon and Ayane, controversy over daycare 'sniping' and 'no-salt' parenting despite apology... Deleted ending [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer and musical actor Lee Ji-hoon and his wife Ayane apologized for the recent controversies over "daycare sniping" and "no-salt parenting," but deleted the apology just one day later.

Recently, Ayane posted on her personal account that her daughter, Lu-hee, appeared to have eaten candy at daycare, writing, "I was shocked because she is still on a no-salt diet." The post spread, sparking controversy labeled as "daycare sniping." The controversy arose from her describing the consumption of vitamin candies provided by the daycare as "shocking," and from her posting on social media instead of speaking directly to the daycare. However, Ayane later engaged in a debate with netizens regarding "no-salt parenting," stating, "No-salt parenting is a mother's choice. I have never forced it on anyone or spared anyone from it. I think we can stop talking about no-salt parenting. Whether a child's meal is seasoned or not is not such a big deal. It's all a mother's choice."

Amid this, husband Lee Ji-hoon indirectly apologized on the 9th by posting a photo of his daughter Lu-hee on his personal account. He wrote, "The days since Children's Day and Parents' Day have been new for Lu-hee, as it is the first time she is celebrating them since her birth. Soon these will become memories, but every day is always happy and joyful. I love you, Lu-hee, because of you. I can see my younger self in your face," and added, "Our Lu-hee is on a no-salt diet (we don't even dye her hair). Sorry for being so particular." This post, which took the form of an apology, later became controversial itself. Criticism arose over its tone, which seemed like a power struggle rather than a proper apology; Lee Ji-hoon's choice of the song "Who Are You to Be So?" as the background music for the post; and his playful comment, "She's better than a girl with no sense of propriety," in response to an acquaintance's comment reading "Lu-hee is a no-salt girl."

After Lee Ji-hoon deleted his apology-style post, Ayane posted an apology and a lengthy explanation on the afternoon of the 10th. She first requested the deletion of an article that contained a misunderstanding about her regarding "daycare sniping," then posted a long message again. Ayane also made public the daycare teacher's entry in the kids' notebook.

Ayane wrote on her personal account, "I am speaking about the story where you gave me a lot of advice. The daycare contacted us first yesterday, and we spoke until this morning. If the content was published as an article with potential for misunderstanding and spread, causing hurt to the teachers, I told them I am terribly sorry." She continued, "The director said that the article was more sensational than the content posted on the story, and that the mother must have been more flustered. I also apologized to the teacher in charge, saying that was not my intention. The teacher said there was no misunderstanding, but I apologized again regardless. Even if I did not have such an 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 created more room for misunderstanding."

Ayane said, "I lived in Japan for 20 years and became accustomed to the culture of children's snacks, but this time I experienced the culture of Korean daycares for the first time and felt the difference. However, it seems the misunderstanding grew larger because I used only the expression 'shocked' without explaining the details in depth. In Japan, there is a trend to recommend not giving candy to children under three, and many daycares actually ban candy. So, I was surprised not in the sense of 'My child ate candy at daycare?' but in the sense that 'There is a culture of providing candy at daycares.'" She added, "I have seen news reports before stating that candy, jelly, and rice cakes are banned at daycares, 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. It is absolutely not meant to say that Korean daycares that provide candy are wrong. The types of candy and the methods of providing them differ by country, and I believe it is right to live according to that 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 used the expression 'shocked' because I felt a cultural difference that I had not experienced before. I believe that children attending daycares in Korea are growing up in a good environment. I have never had complaints about it, nor have I ever thought that Japan is better." She continued, "In Japan, the expression 'shocked' is used relatively lightly and in everyday situations often. 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. However, it seems there was a difference between the nuance of the expression as I understood it and the nuance as it was received in Korea."

Furthermore, Ayane said, "I know that too. Even if I watch over them, children will eventually eat everything. I just wanted to do my best within the limits I can manage. I have never forced anyone, made rude requests to the daycare, or have any intention to do so in the future. However, I sincerely regret that my SNS post could be perceived in that way." She added, "The daycare 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. I had even considered whether I should rethink sending my child to daycare if such a response was difficult or burdensome, so I was very grateful when they said it was possible, which is why I decided to send my child. In fact, I was also considering home childcare. However, the daycare I wanted to enroll in contacted me in order, and when I went for a trial visit with my child, I liked seeing her get along with other friends too much. Seeing that, I felt that my child also needs time with friends rather than just home childcare. Also, since I was working while going through miscarriages, IVF procedures, and the pregnancy process, I decided to send her to daycare." She noted, "Among the comments, there were reactions like 'She's talking about no-salt nonsense,' and many people asked, 'Then why did you entrust her to daycare before 36 months?' when I mentioned the WHO guidelines. I was able to practice no-salt parenting before 24 months when the situation allowed, but I could not do home childcare before 36 months due to practical difficulties."

Finally, Ayane said, "I am truly grateful that the daycare 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. As I am raising a child for the first time, I have many cultural and knowledge gaps. I am grateful for all advice and criticism. And I am truly grateful for the supportive comments and DMs." She emphasized, "However, it is very regrettable that the article used sensational expressions and concluded that I was abusing power or sniping a specific target, causing the existing misunderstanding to spread as if it were fact. It was interpreted in a completely different direction from what I originally posted. Since I posted on a public account, it is natural to hear various opinions. However, even after I explained that my intention was a misunderstanding, 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 made public the entry in Lu-hee's kids' notebook written by her homeroom teacher. The teacher said, "When I first learned about this through the article, I was a bit flustered too, but these days there are so many sensational article titles, excessive public opinion mobilization, and harsh comments, so I felt more strongly that I hope you are not swayed by that atmosphere too much." She added, "Above all, I think the mother's heart must be very heavy, and since there is also a baby in the womb, I hope she does not get too stressed. I know well how much Lu-hee is raised with love, so I have no intention of misunderstanding. On the contrary, I am grateful that she shared her feelings so honestly and contacted us first. We will continue to take good care of Lu-hee beautifully in the future."

Ayane added, "I am posting this with the permission of the daycare teachers," but this led to further discussion regarding the fact that the post was made on Sunday the 10th.

In addition, controversy grew larger when a YouTube video from February, in which Lee Ji-hoon and Ayane, a couple who emphasized "no-salt parenting," let their 18-month-old daughter Lu-hee taste spicy Jjamppong, was exposed. While it was shocking that a baby on a no-salt diet was given candy at daycare, the image of the parents playfully letting her taste spicy Jjamppong with chopsticks they used for fun was compared, sparking further controversy.

As each apology only fueled more controversy, Ayane and Lee Ji-hoon eventually deleted all apology-style posts.

Lee Ji-hoon and Ayane overcame a 14-year age gap and married in 2021, eventually having their first daughter, Lu-hee, through IVF. Since then, Ayane experienced the pain of two miscarriages, but recently received congratulations for news of her second pregnancy.

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*This content was translated by AI.