Lee Hwi-jae prepares for return after 4 years

Entertainer Lee Hwi-jae is planning to resume his activities in Korea, attempting a broadcast comeback approximately four years later. He recently participated in the recording of the KBS 2TV entertainment program 'Immortal Songs' and plans to stay in Korea for the time being to explore future broadcasting activities.

Lee Hwi-jae has officially announced his return to activities approximately four years after stepping down as MC of 'Entertainment Weekly Live' in April 2022. He participated in the recording of 'Immortal Songs', singing the song 'As Time Goes By' by singer Choi Ho-seop. During the recording, former colleagues he had worked with in the past visited to support him, and he appeared deeply moved.

However, public opinion remains cold. Numerous critical posts regarding Lee Hwi-jae's return have appeared on the 'Immortal Songs' viewer message board, with reactions such as "I wish Lee Hwi-jae wouldn't appear" and "Why would they insist on using someone who was kicked out because the entire nation dislikes them?"

Lee Hwi-jae drew public anger due to controversies such as noise complaints from neighbors in 2021, disrespectful behavior at the 'SBS Drama Awards' in 2016, and allegations of unpaid amusement park toys in 2017. As a result, he temporarily suspended his entertainment activities in 2022 and left for Canada with his family.

Although Lee Hwi-jae participated in the recording of 'Immortal Songs', he entered the recording studio via a different route to avoid reporters. This appears to be a move made consciously of the attention focused on his comeback.