Lee Jihoon Ayane Apologizes for Salt-Free Controversy

Singer and musical actor Lee Ji-hoon and his Japanese wife, Ayane, have repeatedly offered explanations and apologies regarding the "no-salt parenting" controversy, but public opinion has not easily subsided. Some netizens are reacting that the couple still doesn't seem to understand the core of the controversy.

The controversy began when Ayane posted on her social media, "Ruhee is still a baby on a no-salt diet, so she only eats rice crackers and doesn't eat vitamin candies. I was shocked to find candy wrappers in her daycare bag." Online, while some respected individual parenting philosophies, others pointed out that the way it was posted on public social media could be seen as targeting the daycare center. In particular, there were reactions that this was an action that could burden teachers, especially given that recent conflicts between parents and teachers have become a social issue.

As the controversy grew, Ayane apologized, saying, "I don't think all children should be on a no-salt diet," and "I didn't harm anyone; I was just upset. I apologize to the daycare teachers." In a third statement, she explained, "In Japan, the word '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 on a no-salt diet (she doesn't even have dyed hair). We apologize for being excessive." However, some netizens reacted uncomfortably, interpreting this expression as having a sarcastic nuance that mocked the controversy.

The reason the controversy is not easily subsiding is that the couple's past parenting controversies are also being brought up again. Previously, Lee Ji-hoon and Ayane were seen feeding their child jjambbong (spicy seafood noodle soup) in content released on their YouTube channel, leading netizens to react, "It seems contradictory to emphasize a no-salt diet while feeding jjambbong." Additionally, when their child was only two months old, Lee Ji-hoon was criticized for preparing Japanese holiday fried foods in the kitchen while holding the baby, an act that was described as "​very dangerous."

Some netizens commented, "Parenting principles are for parents to follow, not something to request from daycare teachers," and "The problem seems to be the public method rather than the parenting philosophy itself."