Broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae's return after four years is taking place on 'Immortal Songs,' and public opinion was split over the preview.
At the end of KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Songs' broadcast on the 21st, a preview for next week was released, featuring Lee Hwi-jae.
In this stage, held as a '2026 entertainment industry gaewangjeon' special, Lee Hwi-jae returned after four years and said, "It's been a while since I greeted you. I am Lee Hwi-jae," meeting the public. In particular, attention was drawn when Lee Hwi-jae's eyes were seen reddened as he greeted people.
With Lee Hwi-jae looking somewhat awkward and his full comeback stage set to be released on the 28th, public opinion was split down the middle.
Some netizens reacted coldly with comments such as "supply without demand," "who asked you to sing," and "the emotional narrative is boring," while others said things like "Lee Hwi-jae sings well, so I'm looking forward to it," "if you don't like him, you don't have to watch," "I'm curious about his recent life; I hope he talks about how he lived in Canada," and "he's not a criminal, the reaction is too much."
Earlier, Lee Hwi-jae halted broadcasting activities in 2022 after controversies over his past on-air behavior and continuing disputes surrounding his wife Moon Jeong-won's apartment noise and toy expense controversies. He was later reported to have lived in Canada with his family, and he returns to domestic broadcasting after four years through 'Immortal Songs.'
Lee Hwi-jae cautiously entered the 'Immortal Songs' recording studio. Having skipped the photo line and the after-recording gathering, expectations grow about what stories Lee Hwi-jae will share on 'Immortal Songs.'
Attention is also focused on whether Lee Hwi-jae can shake off the "unfavorable" stigma directed at him through full-scale broadcasting activities after 'Immortal Songs.' Having not issued any statements since suspending activities, there is anticipation about how he will meet the public.
KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Songs,' featuring Lee Hwi-jae, will air on the 28th at 6:05 p.m.
[Photo] KBS2 'Immortal Songs' preview capture
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