Lee Ji-hoon & Ayane Apologize for Candy Controversy

Singer Lee Ji-hoon apologized on behalf of his wife, Ayane, who had criticized a daycare center for providing snacks. On the 9th, Lee Ji-hoon posted a photo of their daughter, Ruhee, on his social media with the caption, "Our Ruhee is on a no-salt diet (she doesn't even have dyed food). Sorry for being so fussy." This appears to be a reference to Ayane's social media post criticizing her daughter eating candy at daycare, stating, "She's still on a no-salt diet, so I was a bit shocked."

Previously, Ayane had shared on her personal account, "Ruhee is still a baby on a no-salt diet, so she only eats rice crackers and I haven't even given her vitamin candy," revealing that she found candy wrappers in the bag her daughter brought home from daycare. She expressed her shock that her child had tasted candy. However, some netizens pointed out that it's impossible for institutions to adhere to every individual's parenting principles when caring for children, suggesting, "If you want to insist on a no-salt diet, you should raise your child at home."

As the controversy grew, Ayane clarified, "I didn't post anything with the intention of complaining to the daycare center. I just didn't know if they gave out snacks or meals other than what's on the menu at daycare. I was just shocked by that, among other things. I'm not blaming the teachers or anyone at all. I was just shocked by the fact that Ruhee ate candy." She added, "I don't think all children should be on a no-salt diet, nor do I think it's wrong to have a salted diet. I believe everyone wants their child to grow up healthy, but I don't understand why being on a no-salt diet makes one a target for ridicule. It doesn't harm anyone. It's just hard work for me," emphasizing her parenting philosophy.

Ayane, Lee Ji-hoon's wife, later announced that she had resolved the misunderstanding with the daycare center. She stated, "I was contacted by the daycare center yesterday, and we had a good conversation. They explained that they sometimes give vitamin candy when children are fussy, and that the misunderstanding arose because they didn't inform me beforehand." She further clarified, "I didn't intend to target anyone from the beginning. I was surprised because I didn't know there would be a situation where my child would receive candy at daycare. I don't think negatively about them giving her candy at all." Ayane added, "There's no need to manage my child's diet specifically and individually, and I've never asked for that. I apologized profusely for the situation that has arisen."

Meanwhile, the WHO recommends minimizing salt intake until 24 months of age, with a daily recommended sodium intake for toddlers aged 1-3 being less than approximately 1000mg (about 2.5g of salt). They also advise keeping sugar intake below 5% of total daily calories. However, it is difficult to avoid salt and sugar in food provided by external institutions such as daycare centers. Some nutrition experts argue that a moderate intake of salt is necessary, rather than a completely salt-free diet.