Broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae's return news has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some still view him coldly because of a 'Iyoo' image, but there are also criticisms that the atmosphere trying to completely ban his return is excessive.
Recently KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Songs' said Lee Hwi-jae will participate in the recording of the 'Immortal Songs-2026 entertainment industry king of singers special' to be held on the 16th. It is his first broadcast appearance in about four years after leaving for Canada with his family in 2022.
Lee Hwi-jae debuted in 1992 as a comedian in MBC's third special recruitment and gained popularity by performing on various entertainment programs. He was especially loved for appearing with his twin sons Seo-eon and Seo-jun on KBS 2TV's The Return of SUPERMAN, and he won the grand prize at the 2015 KBS Entertainment Awards.
However, after that, criticisms continued that he was rude in the way he treated fellow entertainers during the hosting of several entertainment programs, and negative public sentiment formed as controversies related to his family piled up, including noise disputes involving his wife Moon Jeong-won and allegations of "dine-and-dash" over amusement park toy costs. Eventually Lee Hwi-jae suspended activities and spent a long time in Canada with his family.
Recently, an update on his condition was reported. A close acquaintance of the Lee Hwi-jae couple told OSEN, "I recently exchanged messages on Moon Jeong-won's birthday," adding, "The twins are doing well and are exercising diligently." Regarding their stay in Canada, they explained, "It was more like a rest than immigration."
After four years passed, some netizens still react negatively to the reported return. But there is another voice. Some say that trying to block the return itself when no crime was committed is excessive.
There is certainly a perspective that demands high morality from entertainers. Public criticism is always possible. However, that judgment is ultimately something to be made after activities resume. In an atmosphere that calls for dismissal before even taking the stage, Lee Hwi-jae's return has become another test.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]