Broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae is returning to broadcasting after about four years, sparking heated debate online.
On the 5th, KBS 2TV's Immortal Songs said Lee Hwi-jae will participate in the recording of the Immortal Songs-2026 entertainment industry king of entertainers special to be held on the 16th. It will be his first broadcast appearance in about four years since leaving for Canada with his family in 2022.
But public opinion is divided over his return. Some netizens have responded negatively, saying "I still find him unappealing and his appearance on broadcasts is uncomfortable" and "I don't want to see him again," while others have said "It's excessive to block his return when he didn't commit a crime" and "I'm glad to see him on TV after a long time," showing opposing reactions.
Regarding this, the production team of Immortal Songs drew a line, saying Lee Hwi-jae's appearance is not intended to prepare a comeback stage. An Immortal Songs producer told OSEN, "We were concerned it might look as if Lee Hwi-jae is officially returning through Immortal Songs," and "He never declared a temporary retirement, so it does not mean we are opening the door to his comeback."
They went on to say, "This special brings together entertainers who have experience releasing albums to compete. We only invited them considering nationwide recognition and activity history," and emphasized, "Lee Hwi-jae is participating as one team among many cast members."
A total of 10 teams, including Cho Hye-lyeon, Hong Seok-cheon, Lalal, and Song Il-gook, are reported to appear as contestants in this entertainment industry king of entertainers special.
The controversy over Lee Hwi-jae's return is not unrelated to the "unappealing image" he accumulated in the past. He was criticized for rude behavior toward fellow entertainers on several variety shows, and public opinion worsened as family-related controversies overlapped, including noise dispute around his wife Moon Jung-won and suspicions of "eating and running" over amusement park toy costs.
Eventually Lee Hwi-jae suspended broadcasting activities and left for Canada with his family, resulting in a long hiatus. Now that he will appear on broadcasts again after about four years, public reactions to his appearance are divided.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]