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Teen mother Lee Ha-yul ends relationship with child’s father: “I gave up child support, but I feel relieved”

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Lee Ha-yul, who became a mother while still in middle school, has ended her relationship with her child’s father after struggling to receive regular child support.
  • She now raises the child with help from her parents and government assistance, while saving part of that support.
  • Lee is preparing for a high-school equivalency exam, planning to attend university and pursuing a goal of becoming a skincare and beauty specialist.

Lee Ha-yul, who became a mother at 17 while still in middle school, has ended her relationship with her child’s father and is preparing to rebuild her future with help from her parents.

Her latest circumstances were shown on the KBS Joy program “Whatever You Ask Me”. Lee had previously appeared on the show and said she was raising her 15-month-old child alone. She had asked the child’s father, who is one year older, to begin sending at least small child-support payments from January 2026.

I gave up child support, but I feel relieved

· Lee Ha-yulLee described how she felt after ending her relationship with her child’s father.

According to the report, he did not make regular payments because he wanted to give a larger sum after becoming an adult instead. Broadcaster Seo Jang-hoon advised her that the chances of receiving support appeared low and suggested ending the relationship and securing parental rights. Lee later said she followed that advice and cut ties with the child’s father.

There is no chance he will pay in the future either

· Seo Jang-hoonThe broadcaster advised Lee after hearing that the child’s father was not making regular payments.

She gave up seeking child support, but said she felt more at ease afterward. Lee currently lives with her parents, who help with childcare, and receives government assistance. Seo said she was saving half of the support payments despite her young age.

Lee is also preparing for a high-school graduation equivalency exam and planning to attend university. She said she is working toward a career as a skincare and beauty specialist. After hearing the update, Seo encouraged her to continue becoming a strong mother and supported her new start.

I hope you continue to be a strong mother

· Seo Jang-hoonSeo encouraged Lee after learning about her efforts to raise her child and resume her education.
About this summary

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.