2026 ‘Immortal Songs’ Special: Lee Hwi-jae’s Quiet Return After 4 Years – What to Expect?
Daniel Kim Views
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| Lee Hwi-jae / Photo=DB |
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] Lee Hwi-jae, whose return to broadcasting after a four-year hiatus drew attention, quietly took part in a taping of KBS’s Immortal Songs — seemingly intent on keeping a low profile.
On the 16th, Lee participated in the Immortal Songs recording held at KBS’s new public hall in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The episode was presented as a “2026 Celebrity King of Entertainment” special.
Cast members including Hong Seok-cheon, Park Jun-hyung, Cho Hye-ryeon, Kim Shin-young, Cheon Dan-bi, Moon Se-yoon; Song Il-gook and Oh Man-seok from the musical The Hague; and members of the Gag Concert team — Park Sung-kwang, Jung Beom-gyun, Lee Sang-hoon, Seo Seong-kyung and Lee Chan-seok — posed for the press, but Lee was not photographed. Sources say he slipped into the studio quietly, separate from the other performers.
Lee stepped away from broadcasting in 2022 and moved to Canada with his family, a move that generated speculation about his retirement. He has now returned to television with this Immortal Songs appearance after four years away.
The comeback, however, has been met with a cool public response. Lingering controversies — including disputes over alleged inter-floor noise, accusations that he failed to cover the cost of amusement-park toys, and a buildup of negative public perception from past broadcasts — have dampened viewer reaction.
On Lee Hwi-jae’s casting, the Immortal Songs producer said the show looks for entertainers who aren’t full-time singers but have released albums or who take singing seriously. “We consider national recognition and each performer’s character,” the producer explained, noting that Lee has released an album. The production also weighed how he would fit alongside a diverse lineup of entertainers and actors, including Cho Hye-ryeon, Park Jun-hyung, Song Il-gook, Kim Shin-young and Hong Seok-cheon.
[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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