Comedian and entertainer Lee Hwi-jae is making his much-anticipated return to Korean television after nearly four years away from the spotlight. He is set to appear as a contestant on the special episode of the KBS 2TV variety show “Immortal Songs,” which is scheduled for recording on the 16th. This marks his first major performance since he paused his broadcasting activities in 2022 and relocated to Canada with his family.
Lee Hwi-jae’s wife, influencer Moon Jeong-won, recently revived her social media presence, sharing moments of their daily life in Canada. This move has sparked speculation among fans and commentators, with some viewing it as a sign of support and preparation for Lee’s re-entry into the entertainment world. Moon’s return online ended a silence lasting over three and a half years, adding to the anticipation surrounding Lee’s comeback.
The “Immortal Songs” special, called the ‘2026 Entertainment King of Singers Special,’ will feature Lee alongside several well-known entertainers who have previously released albums, though they are not professional singers. Producer Choi Seung-beom explained that Lee was not specifically targeted for the event but was invited as part of a group of celebrity contestants. The lineup also includes Cho Hye-ryeon, Hong Seok-cheon, Park Joon-hyung, Song Il-guk, Oh Man-seok, Moon Se-yoon, and the “Gag Concert” team.
Lee Hwi-jae’s participation is viewed as a chance to demonstrate both his stage presence and vocal abilities, competing against younger talents such as Park Sung-kwang and Jung Bum-kyun. While some online critics express skepticism about his motivations and timing, others believe he deserves an opportunity to resume his career after a lengthy break. Memories of his earlier albums and public appearances, along with recent updates featuring his twins Seo-eon and Seo-jun, have stirred nostalgia and positive sentiment among supporters.
Producer Choi noted that the show’s concept focuses on celebrities who released music years ago but worked mainly outside the music industry. Lee, who debuted with his first album in 1995 and his second in 1997, fits this theme well. As Lee prepares for the upcoming recording, public attention is growing over what he will share during his performance and whether this event will mark the beginning of more appearances in South Korea.
