Lee Hwi-jae's Return to Korea and Rumors of Children's Foreign School Enrollment: Key Points of the Controversy
인포바이브 편집팀|입력 2026.03.23 08:30|0
사진 출처: 온라인 커뮤니티
Lee Hwi-jae's Return to Broadcasting After 4 Years and Public Scrutiny
News that broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae is resuming his activities after approximately four years has garnered significant public attention. His return to the public eye after a long hiatus has been met with various reactions.
Lee Hwi-jae recently participated in the recording of KBS2's entertainment program 'Immortal Songs'. This marks his first official broadcasting activity since he left for Canada with his family in September 2022 for a break. Along with the news of his return, the public's interest is growing, with various speculations being raised about the duration of his stay in Canada.
In particular, controversy surrounding his stay in Canada and its connection to his children's education has spread, indicating that Lee Hwi-jae's return to Korea and his comeback are emerging as a social issue beyond just the return of an entertainer.
Controversy Over Canada Stay and 'Foreign School Enrollment' Eligibility
Along with the news of Lee Hwi-jae's return to broadcasting, the hottest topic has become the possibility of his children enrolling in a 'foreign school'. Lee Hwi-jae's twin sons, born in March 2013, are reaching middle school age this year.
The fact that they departed for Canada in September 2022, combined with their overseas stay duration until now, has drawn attention to whether specific admission requirements have been met. Some strongly speculate that their stay in Canada was intended to acquire the qualifications necessary for Korean nationals to enroll in a foreign school.
These speculations, coupled with Lee Hwi-jae's return to Korea, are intensifying the controversy, and the public is reportedly expressing curiosity about his family's actions along with various opinions.
Detailed Guide to Foreign School Admission Regulations
So, what are the specific conditions for Korean nationals to enroll in a foreign school? According to Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the current 'Regulations on the Establishment and Operation of Foreign Schools and Foreign Kindergartens,' the following conditions apply:
The student themselves must have resided abroad for a total of 3 years (1095 days) or more.
Korean national students can be selected within 30% of the admission quota.
The student's period of overseas stay is crucial, regardless of the parents' nationality.
According to these regulations, Lee Hwi-jae's children, who departed in September 2022, would have resided overseas for approximately 3 years and 6 months as of March 2026. This can be seen as physically meeting the aforementioned conditions.
Therefore, there are strong suspicions that Lee Hwi-jae's family's stay in Canada was intended to obtain eligibility for their children's enrollment in a foreign school, and these legal regulations are deepening public suspicion.
Current Situation of Lee Hwi-jae's Family and Return Plans?
An interesting point is that while Lee Hwi-jae himself has returned to Korea and resumed broadcasting activities, his wife Moon Jung-won and their twin sons are reportedly still residing in Canada. Lee Hwi-jae's participation in the 'Immortal Songs' recording alone, without his agency or manager, has drawn even more attention.
This situation is intensifying curiosity about the family's future whereabouts. The reason for Lee Hwi-jae's solo return and the family's specific return plans have not yet been clearly disclosed, and this uncertainty is leading to various interpretations from the public.
Lee Hwi-jae's solo return, rather than a joint family return, is fueling various speculations, especially concerning his children's education, and attention is focused on what statement Lee Hwi-jae's side will make in the future.
Public Distrust: Past Controversies Fuel 'Escape Abroad' Suspicions
The spread of these speculations and controversies surrounding Lee Hwi-jae's family is analyzed to be deeply rooted in accumulated public distrust. Lee Hwi-jae has been embroiled in several controversies regarding his broadcasting demeanor in the past, which contributed to a negative public perception.
Furthermore, in 2021, his wife Moon Jung-won faced criticism for issues such as inter-floor noise disputes with neighbors and unpaid toy purchases at an amusement park. These series of incidents further deepened public disappointment.
At the time, many members of the public strongly viewed the actions of Lee Hwi-jae's family, who temporarily suspended activities and left for Canada the following year, as an 'escape abroad'. It is interpreted that these past experiences and accumulated distrust are influencing the current controversy over foreign school enrollment rumors, causing the public to react more sensitively.
Background of the Issue and Future Outlook
Lee Hwi-jae's return to Korea and broadcasting, along with the rumors of his children's foreign school enrollment, can be seen as an example that goes beyond a mere celebrity comeback, showcasing the public's expectations for responsibility and transparency from entertainers. With past controversies and the current situation intricately intertwined, the public is interpreted to be observing Lee Hwi-jae's family's actions more closely.
Amidst this controversy, attention is focused on what image Lee Hwi-jae will present through his future broadcasting activities and what stance he will take regarding his family's future plans. Public attention remains on him, and transparent and sincere communication is expected to be crucial.
While celebrities' private lives and children's education are always matters of public interest, it appears to be emerging as a point requiring more in-depth discussion when combined with past controversies.
This content is general information compiled based on publicly available data. Please verify accurate details with official announcements from relevant organizations.