broadcaster Lee Hwijae appeared on a broadcast set for the first time in about four years. However, opinions about his return remain divided. Production staff are reported to have cast him considering his public recognition and fame, but there are also evaluations that they should have considered public sentiment more.
On the 16th, at the KBS new building public hall in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, a recording of Immortal Songs took place. That recording was presented as the "2026 entertainment industry king of kings special," and Lee Hwijae participated in the broadcast through this program after a long hiatus.
Lee Hwijae's broadcasting activities resumed about four years after the end of the MBN variety show "Battle in the Box," which concluded in January 2022. Although he never announced a formal retirement, a natural hiatus in activity continued amid various controversies surrounding his family. During this period, retirement rumors and reports of immigration to Canada were raised, but Lee Hwijae's side explained, "We only stayed in Canada with family; it was not immigration."
Among those who appeared at that recording for rehearsal were various entertainers including Park Joonhyung, Hong Seokcheol, Park Seonggwang, Cho Hye-lyeon, Song Il-gook, Moon Seyoon and Lee Sang-hoon. However, Lee Hwijae did not appear on the commute where reporters gathered, and it was reported that he entered the recording venue using a different route. As he stands on a broadcast set again after a long hiatus, some interpret that the attention surrounding his return may have acted as a burden.
Earlier, production staff explained the background of the casting, saying, "While preparing a special for entertainers, we naturally cast artists who had past album activity experience as part of the review process," and added, "It was a choice made considering nationwide recognition and popular awareness." However, production staff also said they felt burdened by the idea that this appearance might be seen as a "comeback work."
The problem is that reactions about public favorability continue regardless of recognition. Past controversies surrounding Lee Hwijae's family have been raised again, and online reactions remain divided. Some responded that the timing is "premature," while others said they would watch his long-awaited return to broadcasting, and noisy reactions continue steadily online.
Some have pointed out that production staff should have considered public sentiment more carefully in addition to recognition. In particular, because the PD mentioned a burden about Lee Hwijae's comeback image, some have reacted, "Wasn't this ultimately a choice that predicted controversy?"
In the end, this appearance seems to have left Lee Hwijae with another task. More important than the return itself will likely be how Lee Hwijae communicates with the public going forward and how he works to regain trust.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]