[Sportschosun Reporter Cho Min-jung] As comedian Ahn Young-mi temporarily steps away from radio ahead of the birth of her second child, the controversy over 'birth tourism' that surfaced when she gave birth to her first child is being brought up again.
On the 21st, Ahn Young-mi sent a final message before giving birth to listeners of MBC FM4U's '2 O'Clock Date with Ahn Young-mi' through her Social Network Service (SNS). She expressed her affection, saying, "My dear Dwoodeongies. I will come back after safely delivering my baby in good health and with strength," and, "While I'm away, I hope you won't go to other radio shows." She also added, "I will always be monitoring, so please go easy on special DJ Ujjujju," keeping her trademark cheerful wit.
The photo released with the post showed Ahn Young-mi's full-term baby bump ahead of delivery. Her bright smile as she held her belly conveyed her excitement about meeting her second child.
Ahn Young-mi, who began maternity leave after ending the broadcast that day, said on the radio, "I can't believe I'm having my second child. It feels like a dream to say this is my last broadcast," expressing her regret.
However, once news of Ahn Young-mi's childbirth was reported, some online communities and SNS once again focused on where she would give birth. Since her husband works in the United States, reactions followed, asking whether she would "give birth in the U.S. again this time."
Ahn Young-mi previously became embroiled in a 'birth tourism' controversy after giving birth to her first son in the United States in 2023. At the time, she explained that she chose to go to the U.S. to share the joy of childbirth with her husband, but online, a flood of speculation and abusive comments followed.
Media Lab Siso later stated, "Ahn Young-mi temporarily suspended her broadcast activities to share the joy of childbirth with her husband, who lives and works in the United States," adding, "We are reviewing strong legal action against the spread of false information and malicious comments." Because of that precedent, attention is naturally turning to whether she will give birth in the United States again ahead of her second delivery.
Meanwhile, Ahn Young-mi married a non-celebrity man who was working in the United States in 2020. She gave birth to her first son in 2023 and is expected to welcome her second son in July.
Reporter Cho Min-jung mj.cho@sportschosun.com
