[MyDaily = Reporter Kang Da-yun] TV personality Lee Hwi-jae made a high-profile return to broadcast television after a four-year absence, even taking a spot at the MC desk.
On April 4, KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Songs' (commonly referred to as 'Immortal') aired "Immortal Songs — 2026 Celebrity King of Songs, Part 2," a special that featured multi‑talented entertainers who have officially released albums or singles.
The green room was lively, with ten acts trading barbs and banter: Kim Shin-young & Cheon Dan-bi, LALAL, Moon Se-yoon, the Gag Concert 'Chatflix' team, Park Jun-hyung, Song Il-gook & Oh Man-seok (the musical 'The Hague' team), Lee Chan-seok, Lee Hwi-jae, Cho Hye-ryeon, and Hong Suk-cheon.
Lee Sang-hoon said, "My mom loves 'Immortal' the most. She doesn't miss an episode and even asks if she can get audience tickets—she's a huge fan. I didn't tell her because I wanted it to be a surprise since she watches every week." He also left a video message for his mother.
Moon Se-yoon shot back, "Why not bring her into the audience?" and the group teased Lee Sang-hoon for being unfilial. Amid the commotion, Lee Hwi-jae sat quietly smiling, drawing attention. When Moon Se-yoon asked, "Isn't it fun to be picked apart like this after so long?" Lee Hwi-jae replied, "It's hilarious."
He added, "The 'Immortal' production team warned the recording would run long and end late. To be honest, I could stay until the day after tomorrow—it's been so long since I laughed like this. I'm really happy," expressing how moved he was to be back.
Lee Chan-won shouted, "The Lee Hwi-jae we knew is back." The room erupted in applause; Lee Hwi-jae stood and bowed deeply. When Cho Hye-ryeon jumped up and began dancing, Kim Shin-young and Lee Sang-hoon joined in, turning it into an impromptu dance party. Amid the laughter, Lee Hwi-jae rose and danced along.
Lee Hwi-jae's presence continued to energize the room. After Song Il-gook and Oh Man-seok's 'The Hague' team finished its stage, Hong Suk-cheon complained, "There are so many comedians, they drain my energy." Park Jun-hyung shot back, "Aren't you a comedian, hyung?" and Kim Shin-young quipped, "Once a comedian, always a comedian." Hong Suk-cheon waved it off, saying, "I'm done with that. I don't want to do it—I'm an actor now."
Moon Se-yoon then asked Kim Jun-hyun, "MC, there's too much chatter. Can you get everyone organized?" Kim Jun-hyun rose from the MC seat and urged Lee Hwi-jae, "Hey sir, sit here and handle it somehow." With a bemused look, Lee Hwi-jae took the MC chair and said, "Start with three rounds of applause," calming the room. Once things settled, he even asked Hong Suk-cheon for his impressions of the stage, prompting Kim Jun-hyun to praise him: "He belongs here."
In a playful moment, Lee Hwi-jae reached over while Hong Suk-cheon was giving his comments and ruffled his hair, saying, "Excuse me, I'm going to turn the volume up a bit," before returning to his seat among the cast. As Kim Jun-hyun reclaimed the MC position, he announced, "Lee Hwi-jae is back," and led a supportive round of applause.
Lee Hwi-jae debuted in 1992 as part of MBC's third special recruitment of comedians and built a prolific career. At the height of his popularity, he stepped away amid controversies, including disputes with neighbors over noise and allegations surrounding his wife's toy-related business, which led to a period of inactivity. Reports that he moved to Canada with his family in 2022 fueled retirement rumors. His return to TV on 'Immortal'—his first broadcast in four years—has drawn significant attention.
