Ayane expresses frustration over parenting criticism, defends care for daughter Ruhee

AKP STAFF

Lee Ji Hoon’s Japanese wife Ayane expresses anger over criticism questioning their parenting skills.

On September 30th KST, Ayane, wife of entertainer Lee Ji Hoon, expressed her frustration through a lengthy post on social media, addressing recent criticism questioning their parenting.

Ayane began, “I wasn’t planning to mention this, but I can’t stay silent any longer.” She explained that comments about the danger posed to their baby during a cooking scene in a YouTube video had gained media attention. The video, uploaded last week, showed Ayane and Lee Ji Hoon cooking while holding their baby. She continued, “People said that even if our baby was fussy and crying, she should not have been near the hot stove, and even though Ji Hoon is used to holding her, he should never have held her with one arm, not even for a second. We reflected a lot on this and realized we need to be more careful.”

Ayane clarified that their baby had been in the kitchen for about 10 minutes, and because the baby dislikes being cradled horizontally, she was held upright. At the time of the recording, the baby was about two months old, and they felt she was at a stage where her neck and body strength were starting to develop. Ayane also explained that she usually holds the baby with proper neck support and only approached the stove after ensuring no oil was splattering.

Ayane expressed her hurt over the harsh comments, saying, “There were many comments saying we are unfit to be parents or personally attacking us. Comments that go beyond concern and imply that we don’t care for our baby with love are hurtful to us. Any parent knows that all parents value their children more than their own lives. Ji Hoon, before being a celebrity, is a parent. Do people really think he would prioritize content over our child?”

She continued, “Ruhee is growing up healthy and loved by many family members. Everything is the choice of the parents, and we bear full responsibility for that. We are still inexperienced and have a lot to learn, but please understand that we truly love Ruhee. We ask that, instead of criticism, you leave comments out of care and affection. Also, please remember that videos don’t always capture the full context of the situation.”

On September 27th KST, the couple had uploaded a video titled “What is the reaction of in-laws trying Japanese Chuseok food for the first time?” on their YouTube channel, HIMJIALIFE.

In the video, Ayane and Lee Ji Hoon were preparing traditional Japanese Chuseok dishes. When their daughter, Ruhee, woke up, Lee Ji Hoon returned to the kitchen with the baby in his arms. The controversy arose when Ayane began frying vegetables while Lee Ji Hoon stood nearby holding their two-month-old daughter, at times with just one arm. Additionally, the baby’s neck appeared unsupported, raising concerns about safety.

Netizens voiced concerns, saying, “Before 100 days, babies’ necks must always be supported when held,” and “It’s dangerous to bring a baby into a kitchen with boiling oil.” Lee Ji Hoon responded to the criticism, stating that they would be more careful moving forward.