7 IVF Attempts, 2 Miscarriages Including Twins, 1 Son Dead — Korean Star Triggers Heartbreak

Korean comedian Sung Hyun Joo has candidly shared her profoundly challenging journey through in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, tearfully revealing two devastating miscarriages, one of which involved twins, before ultimately achieving a successful pregnancy. Her emotional disclosure, made on the popular YouTube channel Boriety, has resonated deeply with the public, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles of infertility and the immense emotional and physical toll it exacts. The revelation emerged during a video titled "Crying Uncontrollably During the Daytime Meeting While Preparing for IVF," uploaded on the 2nd of a recent month, where Sung Hyun Joo joined fellow entertainer Hwang Bo Ra, who is herself preparing for a second child, and comedian Oh Nami, to engage in a raw and honest discussion about their respective experiences with pregnancy and fertility. This public outpouring has not only garnered widespread sympathy but has also ignited a crucial conversation about the societal pressures surrounding childbirth and the need for greater understanding and support for couples navigating the complexities of fertility treatments.

The Unseen Battle: Sung Hyun Joo’s Seven Rounds of IVF

Sung Hyun Joo’s testimony painted a vivid picture of persistent hope intertwined with profound heartache. She recounted enduring seven arduous rounds of IVF, a process known for its physical invasiveness, hormonal fluctuations, and emotional rollercoasters. Each cycle typically involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer, with no guarantee of success. For Sung Hyun Joo, this relentless pursuit was punctuated by the crushing blows of two miscarriages. "I had IVF seven times. I miscarried twins once in the middle and had another miscarriage, totaling two miscarriages," she confessed, her voice heavy with the weight of past grief. The loss of twins, in particular, proved to be a pivotal moment in her journey, pushing her to the brink of despair.

The emotional impact of these losses was so profound that Sung Hyun Joo described reaching a breaking point. "When I lost both twins, I decided I really couldn’t continue anymore. I realized that getting pregnant wasn’t the end, so I took a year off because I thought I couldn’t do it anymore," she shared. This period of hiatus was a testament to the mental and emotional exhaustion that often accompanies repeated fertility failures. The dream of parenthood, while powerful, can become an overwhelming burden when faced with such consistent setbacks. Her candid admission highlights a critical aspect of infertility treatment: it is not merely a medical procedure but a deeply personal and psychologically demanding ordeal that tests the limits of human endurance.

Despite her decision to step back, the intrinsic longing for a child proved impossible to extinguish. Sung Hyun Joo articulated this persistent desire with a poignant metaphor: "But IVF is like an addiction. I had no money left." This statement encapsulates the desperation and singular focus that can consume individuals undergoing fertility treatments, often leading them to commit significant financial resources and emotional energy, even in the face of repeated disappointments. Yet, it was precisely during a period of reduced pressure, when she resolved to try "just once more, eating whatever I wanted and being relaxed," that a miraculous turning point occurred. "Then finally there were two strong lines [on the pregnancy test]," she revealed, describing the moment of successful conception after immense effort and emotional fortitude, a revelation that moved countless viewers.

A Chronology of Resilience and Heartbreak

Sung Hyun Joo’s public life and personal tragedies have unfolded over more than a decade, showcasing a remarkable journey of resilience.

2007: Debut and Early Career: Sung Hyun Joo began her career in entertainment as a comedian, debuting through KBS’s 22nd recruitment. She quickly gained public affection for her comedic talent and vivacious personality, establishing herself as a recognizable figure in the Korean entertainment industry.

2020: Profound Loss: The year 2020 brought immense personal tragedy with the loss of her first son. This deeply painful experience undoubtedly shaped her subsequent desire for children and added another layer of emotional complexity to her fertility journey. The grief of losing a child is an experience that can fundamentally alter one’s perspective on life and family.

2022: Honoring Memory and Supporting Others: In an act of profound courage and altruism, Sung Hyun Joo published an essay in 2022. This work documented her experiences caring for her son, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into her grief and love. Notably, she donated all proceeds from the essay, channeling her personal pain into a source of support for others, a gesture that garnered heartfelt support and admiration from the public. This act solidified her image not just as an entertainer, but as a compassionate individual willing to share her vulnerabilities for the greater good.

Pre-2025: The IVF Ordeal: While specific dates for each of her seven IVF cycles are not publicly known, her account places these intensive treatments and the two miscarriages, including the devastating loss of twins, within the period leading up to her eventual successful pregnancy. This multi-year battle involved significant physical discomfort, emotional anguish, and financial strain, culminating in her temporary retreat from treatment after the loss of twins.

August 2025: A Glimmer of Hope: After a period of reflection and a more relaxed approach to her final IVF attempt, Sung Hyun Joo joyfully announced her second pregnancy in August 2025. This news was met with widespread congratulations and relief from fans who had followed her journey.

September 2025: A New Beginning: The culmination of her unwavering hope and perseverance arrived in September 2025, when Sung Hyun Joo gave birth to a healthy daughter. This joyous event marked a profound new chapter for her and her family, representing the triumph of spirit over adversity.

The Broader Landscape: Infertility in South Korea

Sung Hyun Joo’s story is not an isolated incident but rather a poignant reflection of a growing national challenge in South Korea. The country faces one of the world’s lowest birth rates, a complex issue influenced by economic pressures, demanding work cultures, changing societal values, and increasingly, rising infertility rates.

Prevalence and Demographic Impact: Infertility affects a significant portion of couples globally, with South Korea being no exception. While exact national statistics vary, estimates suggest that approximately 10-15% of couples experience some form of infertility. The increasing average age of marriage and first pregnancy in South Korea contributes to higher rates of age-related infertility, making conception more challenging for many. This demographic shift places immense pressure on individuals and couples, particularly women, who often feel a societal expectation to bear children.

Societal Pressure and Stigma: In East Asian cultures, including South Korea, there is often intense societal pressure on married couples to have children, seen as a continuation of the family line and a fulfillment of marital duty. This pressure can transform the private struggle of infertility into a public burden, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Couples undergoing IVF often do so in secrecy, fearing judgment or unsolicited advice. Celebrities like Sung Hyun Joo bravely stepping forward help to dismantle this pervasive stigma, signaling to countless others that they are not alone in their experiences.

The IVF Landscape: South Korea has a highly advanced medical infrastructure, including numerous fertility clinics offering a range of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF. While government support for IVF treatments exists, often through partial subsidies for a limited number of cycles, the financial burden can still be substantial, especially for those requiring multiple attempts or specialized procedures. The physical toll of daily injections, frequent clinic visits, and the emotional stress of waiting for results are compounded by the financial strain, creating a multifaceted challenge for aspiring parents.

The Psychological Toll: The emotional and psychological impact of infertility and repeated miscarriages cannot be overstated. Studies consistently show higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress among individuals undergoing fertility treatments compared to the general population. The cycle of hope and despair, the invasiveness of procedures, and the grief of loss can lead to significant mental health challenges, often requiring professional psychological support, which is not always readily accessible or destigmatized in many societies. Sung Hyun Joo’s "addiction" metaphor for IVF speaks to the desperate, almost compulsive, drive to achieve pregnancy despite the immense suffering, a sentiment shared by many in similar circumstances.

Echoes of Empathy: Public Reaction and Broader Implications

The outpouring of support for Sung Hyun Joo following her revelation underscores the power of shared vulnerability and the deep human need for connection. Viewers reacted with overwhelming empathy and gratitude for her honesty. Comments flooded in, reflecting a collective understanding of her pain and admiration for her strength:

• "My heart broke hearing about the seven rounds of IVF and losing twins. Thank you, Sung Hyun Joo, for holding on."
• "Tears came when she said IVF feels like an addiction. Only those who’ve been through infertility treatments know how painful it is."
• "Seeing Hwang Bo Ra and Sung Hyun Joo comforting each other feels so sincere. I hope their daughters only bring them happiness."
• "It’s so touching that after preparing with a calm mind, she finally saw those two strong lines."

These reactions highlight several critical implications of Sung Hyun Joo’s public sharing:

Destigmatization of Infertility: By openly discussing her struggles, Sung Hyun Joo contributes significantly to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding infertility and miscarriage. When public figures share such personal battles, it normalizes these experiences, making it easier for others to seek help, share their own stories, and find support without shame.

Validation for Struggling Couples: Her narrative provides immense validation for the countless couples silently battling infertility. Hearing a celebrated individual articulate the exact feelings – the physical pain, the emotional agony, the "addiction" to hope – can be incredibly empowering and comforting, letting them know their experiences are real and understood.

Raising Awareness for Mental Health Support: The raw emotionality of her confession draws attention to the critical need for comprehensive mental health support alongside medical fertility treatments. Recognizing the profound psychological impact of IVF and loss is crucial for developing better support systems and resources for those navigating this challenging path.

Fostering Community and Shared Experience: The platform provided by the Boriety YouTube channel, featuring a candid discussion between female entertainers like Hwang Bo Ra and Oh Nami, creates a sense of community. It demonstrates that these struggles are shared across different walks of life, fostering solidarity among women facing similar reproductive challenges. Hwang Bo Ra’s own journey towards a second child undoubtedly amplified the relatability and sincerity of the discussion.

Advocacy for Policy Changes: Such public disclosures can also serve as an impetus for broader discussions about public health policies, insurance coverage for fertility treatments, and workplace support for individuals undergoing IVF. As more stories emerge, the demand for more accessible and comprehensive care for infertility becomes louder and more difficult to ignore.

Sung Hyun Joo’s journey, marked by profound loss and ultimate triumph, stands as a powerful testament to human resilience and the enduring desire for family. Her willingness to share her most vulnerable moments has transformed a personal struggle into a catalyst for national dialogue, offering comfort and encouragement to countless others walking a similar path and paving the way for a more empathetic and supportive society.