Emotional Return: Why Lee Hwi-jae’s Comeback on ‘Immortal Songs’ Has Everyone Talking

Lee Hwi-jae / Photo=DB

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] Public scrutiny may have taken its toll. Making his first television appearance in four years, Lee Hwi-jae broke down in tears during a rehearsal for KBS2’s Immortal Songs. His family is reportedly staying in Canada.

Lee attended a KBS2 recording of Immortal Songs — the “2026 Entertainment King Special” — on the 16th at the public hall in KBS’s new building in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

Unlike Song Il-gook, Jo Hye-ryun and Kim Shin-young, who posed on the arrival photo line, Lee quietly entered the studio via a different route, appearing to avoid drawing attention.

His appearance marked his first variety show since he halted activities in 2022, drawing significant attention. Public reaction to his comeback, however, has been cool; viewers have criticized his past hosting style and the controversies surrounding his family.

Lee participated on Immortal Songs as a contestant. He selected Choi Ho-seop’s “If Time Passes” and, according to sources, choked up and wept during rehearsal. Insiders say he appeared nervous throughout the taping.

An OSEN report on the 17th said Lee attended the recording alone, without agency representation or a manager. His wife, Moon Jung-won, and their twin sons are reportedly staying in Canada.

Still, many industry figures turned out to see him. Former managers who had worked with Lee visited his waiting room and greeted him warmly. Spotv News reported that, ahead of Lee’s return broadcast, dozens of entertainment executives, producers and writers packed the KBS new building, creating a bustle.

On Lee’s casting, the Immortal Songs producer said, “Although he’s not a full-time singer, we cast entertainers who have released records or who take singing seriously, taking into account national recognition and character.” The producer added, “Lee has released an album. We also considered how he would blend with a diverse lineup of entertainers and actors, including Jo Hye-ryun, 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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