Singer and musical actor Lee Ji-hoon and his Japanese wife, Ayane, are facing persistent public criticism despite repeated clarifications and apologies regarding their recent "salt-free parenting" controversy.
The situation has been further fueled by the popularity of comedian Lee Su-ji’s recent content, which satirizes the hardships faced by kindergarten teachers. In this climate, some people have commented, "It seems they still don't understand the core reason why this became a controversy."
The controversy began when Ayane posted on her social media, "Ruhee is still a baby on a salt-free diet, so she only eats rice crackers and no vitamin candies. I was shocked to find a candy wrapper in her daycare bag."
Following the post, online criticism emerged, with many arguing, "While individual parenting philosophies should be respected, the way it was posted on public social media could be perceived as targeting the daycare center." Given that conflicts between parents and teachers have recently become a significant social issue, many felt the action could place unnecessary pressure on teachers.
As the controversy grew, Ayane apologized, stating, "I don't think every child needs to be on a salt-free diet," and "I didn't intend to harm anyone; I was just expressing my upset feelings. I apologize to the daycare teachers." On May 10, she released a third statement, explaining, "In Japan, the expression 'shocked' is used relatively lightly," and "It was an expression stemming from cultural differences."
Her husband, Lee Ji-hoon, also posted on social media, "Our Ruhee is salt-free (and we don't even dye her hair). I apologize for making a fuss." However, some people expressed discomfort, noting that the phrasing sounded sarcastic toward the controversy.
The reason the controversy is not easily dying down is that the couple's past parenting practices have been brought back into the spotlight.
Previously, in content released on their YouTube channel, the couple was seen feeding their baby Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup). people reacted by saying, "It seems contradictory to emphasize a salt-free diet while feeding the baby Jjamppong." Additionally, criticism was raised regarding a past video where Lee Ji-hoon was seen holding the baby while standing in a kitchen where deep-fried Japanese holiday food was being prepared, with many calling the situation "very dangerous."
Some people commented, "Parenting principles are for parents to uphold, not something to request from daycare teachers," and "The problem seems to be the public manner in which it was addressed rather than the parenting philosophy itself."
Meanwhile, Lee Ji-hoon and Ayane married in 2021, overcoming a 14-year age gap, and have a daughter together. They recently received well-wishes after announcing that they are expecting their second child.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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