South Korea's IVF Boom: 780,000 Embryos Created, 530,000 Discarded as Lee Si-young Controversy Sparks Reform Debate

The New Normal: IVF Becomes Mainstream in Korea

South Korea has witnessed an unprecedented surge in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, with embryo creation reaching nearly 800,000 annually as the technology becomes the new normal for couples struggling with fertility issues. The dramatic increase reflects changing demographics, advanced medical technology, and government support for assisted reproductive technologies in a nation grappling with the world's lowest birth rate.

According to data released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 783,860 embryos were created through IVF in 2024, representing an 83.2% increase from 427,818 in 2019. This exponential growth has transformed IVF from a specialized medical procedure into a mainstream solution for Korean couples facing fertility challenges. The numbers tell a compelling story: annual embryo creation has steadily climbed from 334,687 in 2016, surpassing the 500,000 threshold for the first time in 2021.

Professor Koo Seung-yup from Seoul National University Hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology explains the phenomenon: As marriage ages increase, unmarried people are showing greater interest in egg freezing, while married couples are more interested in embryo freezing. Medical technology advancement, improved accessibility, and government cost support have all contributed to this trend. The surge coincides with Korea's fertility rate hitting a record low of 0.72 in 2023, making assisted reproduction increasingly vital for population sustainability.

Staggering Statistics: The Reality of Embryo Creation and Disposal

The scale of South Korea's IVF industry reveals both hope and ethical concerns. As of December 2024, medical institutions across the country were storing 383,520 embryos, along with 133,926 unfertilized eggs and 56,967 vials of semen. These numbers represent thousands of families' dreams and the sophisticated infrastructure supporting Korea's fertility industry.

However, the statistics also reveal a sobering reality: the vast majority of created embryos are never used. In 2024 alone, 533,266 embryos were discarded, more than double the 260,506 disposed of in 2019. This represents a 104.7% increase in embryo disposal over five years, raising profound ethical questions about the commodification of potential life. The reasons for disposal vary: some embryos are deemed unfit for pregnancy, others exceed the legal five-year storage limit, and some are discarded upon request by the consent holders.

Meanwhile, actual embryo transfers have increased but at a slower pace. In 2024, 201,496 embryos were transferred for pregnancy attempts, up 31.9% from 152,761 in 2019. This means that for every embryo transferred, approximately 2.6 embryos are discarded, highlighting the inefficiency inherent in current IVF practices. The gap between creation and utilization has sparked debates about whether the industry prioritizes quantity over quality in embryo production.

The Lee Si-young Controversy: Consent and Ethical Boundaries

The debate over embryo ethics reached a fever pitch in July 2025 when actress Lee Si-young announced her pregnancy using a frozen embryo created with her ex-husband, despite his opposition. The announcement on social media sent shockwaves through Korean society, igniting passionate debates about reproductive autonomy, paternal rights, and the ethics of embryo use without spousal consent.

Lee Si-young explained her decision: As our legal relationship was being finalized and the five-year storage period was approaching, I couldn't bring myself to discard the embryo that was about to expire. Her ex-husband initially opposed the pregnancy but later stated he would fulfill his responsibilities as a father, though he confirmed the procedure was done without his consent.

The controversy exposed a significant loophole in South Korea's Bioethics and Safety Act. While the law requires written consent from both parties when creating embryos, it contains no provisions regarding consent for transferring already-created embryos. Legal experts noted that Lee Si-young faced no legal consequences for her actions, as there are no punitive measures for embryo transfer without spousal consent. This legal gap has prompted calls for comprehensive reform of reproductive legislation to address the complex ethical and legal issues surrounding embryo ownership and usage rights.

Community Reactions: Divided Opinions on Reproductive Rights

The Lee Si-young case has divided Korean public opinion, with online communities and social media platforms buzzing with heated debates. Supporters argue that women should have autonomy over embryos created from their genetic material, especially when facing disposal deadlines. They emphasize the physical and emotional toll of IVF procedures and believe Lee Si-young's maternal instincts should be respected.

Critics, however, raise concerns about the rights of unwilling fathers and the potential for abuse. They argue that proceeding with pregnancy without paternal consent violates the principle of mutual agreement in reproductive decisions and could create legal complications for child support and custody. Some commentators worry that such cases could set dangerous precedents for unilateral reproductive decisions.

Korean online communities have been particularly vocal about the issue. Mom cafes feature numerous discussions about similar dilemmas, with many women sharing their own struggles with leftover frozen embryos after divorce or separation. The conversations reveal the emotional complexity of these decisions, as many women express difficulty in discarding embryos they view as potential children. Religious communities have also weighed in, with Catholic groups opposing the destruction of embryos and calling for greater protection of embryonic life.

Government Response and Policy Reform Initiatives

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has acknowledged the need for policy reform in response to the growing complexities of assisted reproduction. A ministry official stated that they are considering discussions with experts about improving procedures to address the legal and ethical gaps exposed by recent controversies. This represents a significant shift in government approach to reproductive technology regulation.

The government has simultaneously been expanding support for fertility treatments as part of its comprehensive strategy to address Korea's demographic crisis. Seoul city authorities have eliminated residency requirements and age-based restrictions for fertility treatment subsidies, increasing the number of subsidy payments from 22 to 25 annually. The city also launched an egg-freezing subsidy program, providing up to 2 million won for women who wish to preserve their fertility.

In April 2025, the Health Ministry announced a new program to subsidize egg and sperm freezing for patients facing medically-induced infertility, covering 50% of out-of-pocket costs. These initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting reproductive choices while grappling with the ethical complexities of assisted reproduction technology. The challenge lies in balancing individual reproductive rights with societal ethical standards and legal frameworks.

Global Context and Future Implications

South Korea's IVF boom reflects global trends in assisted reproduction, but its scale and ethical challenges are unique. The country's fertility rate of 0.72 is the lowest in the world, making assisted reproduction technologies crucial for demographic sustainability. International comparisons reveal that Korea's approach to embryo storage and disposal is more restrictive than many Western countries, with the five-year storage limit being shorter than the 10-year standard adopted by most developed nations.

The Korean Constitutional Court's 2010 ruling that embryos are not human beings and can be used for research or destroyed after five years provides the legal foundation for current practices. However, this decision remains controversial, with pro-life advocates and religious groups continuing to challenge the commodification of embryonic life. The court's stance contrasts sharply with more restrictive approaches in other countries, where embryos are accorded greater protection.

Looking ahead, Korea faces the challenge of modernizing its reproductive legislation to address contemporary realities while maintaining ethical standards. The Lee Si-young controversy has accelerated calls for comprehensive reform, with lawmakers proposing more detailed consent procedures and clearer guidelines for embryo ownership and usage rights. As IVF technology continues to advance and social attitudes evolve, Korea's approach to embryo ethics will likely serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges. The resolution of these debates will have lasting implications for reproductive rights, family law, and the broader ethical framework governing assisted reproduction in the 21st century.