As comedian Ahn Young-mi nears the delivery of her second child, renewed accusations of “birth tourism” erupted online — and her agency has now set the record straight.
On the 22nd, Ahn’s agency MediaLab Seesaw stated, "Ahn Young-mi’s second baby is a boy, and the delivery will take place domestically, in Korea." They added, "Her husband, who is currently working in the United States, will return to Korea in time for the birth to stay by her side and share the moment." The agency drew a clear line under speculation about the place of birth.
Earlier, on the 21st, Ahn announced her maternity leave via Instagram, writing, "I’ll deliver safely and come back strong," and explained that she would be temporarily stepping away from her MBC FM4U 2 O'Clock Date with Ahn Young-mi DJ post.
After that, online communities and social media buzzed with guesses about where she would give birth. Because her husband works in the U.S., some questioned whether, like their first child, the second would also be born in America.
In 2023, Ahn delivered her first son in the U.S., which sparked a "birth tourism" controversy. At the time, she explained she chose to go to the United States to experience the birth together with her husband, who was living there, but unfounded rumors and criticism spread online. With that precedent, similar debate reignited when she announced maternity leave for her second, but the agency moved to quell the fire by clearly stating the birth "is planned in Korea."
Meanwhile, Ahn married her non-celebrity partner — who works in the United States — in 2020. She welcomed her first son in 2023 and is due to give birth to her second son in July.