Broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae returned to broadcasting after about four years, drawing attention as a lunchbox presumed to be prepared by his wife Moon Jung-won was also revealed.
On the 16th, recording for KBS 2TV Immortal Songs took place at the KBS new building public hall in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. In the broadcast, staged as the "2026 entertainment industry king of singers special," Lee Hwi-jae took the comeback stage after a long hiatus.
In particular, although a large number of reporters flocked to the scene over news of his return, Lee Hwi-jae reportedly entered the studio quietly without showing himself. It was even described as a "stealth commute," and some interpreted it as revealing the pressure surrounding his comeback.
Public reaction is mixed. Alongside comments such as "glad to see you after a long time," there are also views that "it's still uncomfortable." This appears to be influenced by several past controversies, including his wife Moon Jung-won's undisclosed promotional ad controversy, disputes over noise between floors, and so-called "eat-and-run allegations."
Meanwhile, a photo of a lunchbox captured at the comeback site has become another topic of conversation. Broadcaster MC Bae shared the photo on SNS with the message "Hwi-jae hyung, it's been a while since I faced such a moving stage! I support you."
The lunchbox in the photo contained ssambap, bulgogi, and dakgangjeong, and especially drew attention because it bore the phrase "I support Lee Hwi-jae's stage." Although the exact source of the lunchbox has not been revealed, some speculate it may be a supportive gesture from his wife Moon Jung-won.
Following his long hiatus after the controversies, and amid speculation that his wife Moon Jung-won also sent a supportive lunchbox, attention is focused on how Lee Hwi-jae will change public perception through this comeback.<
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]