Lee Hwi-jae & KBS Variety Show Decline

Lee Hwi-jae returned as MC for KBS2's 'Immortal Songs' after a four-year hiatus, but viewer reactions were negative. Online communities criticized the segment as a "fall of terrestrial entertainment," with comments like "It feels like 20 years ago" and "It's tacky." Lee Hwi-jae's return itself failed to generate buzz, and viewership ratings were lower than during the special programming.

The lack of planning in KBS's entertainment division is not a new issue. Like the case of 'Hong Kim Dong Jeon,' which was canceled after failing to break past 1% viewership, KBS tends to rely on the return of stars or special programming rather than developing its own formats. This has led to criticism such as "Are the PDs untouchable?" and "It's tailored to the main demographic," pointing to a lack of new creative planning to attract younger viewers.

Lee Hwi-jae's return to broadcasting has brought his long absence and past controversies back into the spotlight. After a four-year break from broadcasting and living as a private citizen in Canada, he had been shunned by the public due to past "attitude controversies." His alleged curses directed at cameras, disrespectful behavior towards fellow celebrities, and suspicions of noise complaints and "dine-and-dash" incidents had branded him as "unlikeable."

Some question whether the standards applied to celebrities like Lee Hwi-jae, whose broadcasting activities were suspended due to "attitude controversies," are too strict. Compared to celebrities who committed crimes like drug use or drunk driving and returned after a relatively short period of self-reflection, the reality where one's broadcasting career is determined solely by "attitude" without legal punishment is pointed out as harsh.

However, in the nature of popular culture, 'likability' for celebrities is directly linked to their right to exist. While crimes can be resolved through legal punishment, the public's sentiment turned away due to attitude has no "statute of limitations." Viewers now want "people who don't cause discomfort" rather than excellent hosting skills, and Lee Hwi-jae's return reflects these changed public demands.