TV personality Lee Hwi-jae's recent condition was reported for the first time in a while, drawing attention to his future moves. In particular, amid ongoing speculation that he was staying in Canada, recent reports that he has been staying in Korea have emerged, creating an atmosphere that the retirement rumors have effectively ended.
On the 4th, a close associate of the Lee Hwi-jae·Moon Jung-won couple told OSEN, "The most recent contact was at the end of February, which was Moon Jung-won's birthday," and "We sent birthday congratulations and asked if the twins were doing well. They said they were keeping active with exercise and doing well." They added about the family's current situation, "They had been staying in Canada, but I don't know for sure whether they have been traveling back and forth to Korea recently."
However, it was made clear that the Lee Hwi-jae family did not completely immigrate to Canada.
Earlier on the 3rd, Moon Jung-won drew attention by posting a personal update on her social media for the first time in about four years. Accompanying the short line "Already March, 2026" were photos showing everyday life in Canada and images of her twin sons, who have grown significantly. When the twins, who became middle school students by Korean age this year, were shown, interest surged over the family news shared after a long time.
After this post was made public, some speculated that it might signal the Lee Hwi-jae family's return. But a close associate cautiously drew a line, saying, "We didn't discuss anything related to a comeback," and "It was just exchanging birthday congratulations."
Lee Hwi-jae was embroiled in several controversies in the past and suspended his broadcasting activities in 2022. He was later reported to be spending time in Canada with his family, and some interpreted this as a de facto retirement from the entertainment industry. But according to people close to him, the Lee Hwi-jae family's stay in Canada was more of a break than immigration. After halting his broadcasting activities, Lee Hwi-jae, who had been going through a slump, left for Canada to recharge, and as the i-dle adapted to local life, their stay naturally lengthened.
Recently, there have also been reports that Lee Hwi-jae has been holding occasional meetings with broadcasting officials to explore the possibility of future activities. Against this backdrop, news that Lee Hwi-jae is currently staying in Korea has spread, and the retirement rumors that had been raised over time are gradually losing steam.
Moreover, there are reports that he is already preparing a comeback on KBS2's Immortal Songs. Interest continues in how Lee Hwi-jae, who has spent a long time away from activities, will return to the airwaves and in what manner he will meet the public.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
[OSEN]