Lee Hwi-jae's Return to Broadcasting After 4 Years: Key Overview of Family Support and a New Beginning
인포바이브 편집팀|입력 2026.03.30 08:37|0
사진 출처: 눈물 짓는 이휘재 / 사진=KBS
Lee Hwi-jae Opens the Door to His Return to Broadcasting After 4 Years
Broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae, who had suspended his broadcasting activities for a long time, recently reappeared before the public through a terrestrial entertainment program. Having left for Canada with his family in 2022, effectively halting his broadcasting career, his return after approximately four years has garnered significant attention. The stage he chose for his comeback was KBS2's popular program, 'Immortal Songs'.
Lee Hwi-jae, who made a surprise appearance on 'Immortal Songs - 2026 Entertainment King of Kings Battle,' which aired on March 28, showed deep nervousness even in the waiting room. In an interview conducted just before going on stage, he honestly expressed his overwhelming emotions, saying, “I didn't know if such an opportunity would come again.” It is understood that his feelings about holding a microphone again were extraordinary, given that he had been away from the broadcasting scene for four long years.
This return became even more newsworthy due to a special story behind it. Lee Hwi-jae mentioned that the day he received the call to appear on 'Immortal Songs' coincidentally marked his mother's death anniversary, stating, “I thought perhaps my mother in heaven helped me.” His single remark that the journey to the broadcasting station in Yeouido after such a long time was very enjoyable conveyed his deep longing for broadcasting and his earnest desire to resume activities. Thus, for him, it was a significant moment that held not just a simple return, but also personal meaning and a tender affection for his family.
The Long Hiatus and Time in Canada
The background to Lee Hwi-jae's return garnering even greater attention lies in the process that led him to suspend his broadcasting activities. Although he once led several major terrestrial entertainment programs and was active as a top MC, he faced public criticism as controversies such as inter-floor noise disputes and past broadcasting attitude issues successively emerged. As the trust relationship with the public wavered in this situation, he ultimately decided to halt all broadcasting activities in 2022 and leave for Canada with his family.
His life in Canada was completely shrouded in secrecy, with little known to the outside world. Occasionally, updates on his whereabouts were shared through acquaintances' social media posts or local sightings, but he never directly disclosed his situation or feelings. During this time, his exclusive contract with his agency expired, cautiously raising rumors of retirement from the entertainment industry. However, it is reported that he used this long break to reflect on himself and engage in self-contemplation.
This return is interpreted as his first step to clear away the various concerns and speculations that had been raised, and to show his will to stand before the public again with a new mindset. Emphasizing that he had undergone a long period of self-restraint and reflection, he expressed his determination to focus on the preciousness of the present rather than the glamorous heyday of the past and to move forward. His time in Canada can be summarized as both a pause and a crucial turning point for preparing a new beginning.
The Children's Sincerity That Re-energized the 'Superman Dad'
The biggest driving force behind Lee Hwi-jae's return to the public eye was none other than his family, especially his twin sons, Seo-eon and Seo-jun. These two sons, who were greatly loved with the nickname 'Superman Dad' through the past parenting entertainment program 'The Return of Superman,' have now grown enough to become full-fledged middle school students. Lee Hwi-jae conveyed the current status of his much-matured sons, saying, “The children now understand their dad's situation completely,” revealing his tender affection.
During the 'Immortal Songs' broadcast, the contents of a letter sent by his children to their dad were revealed, bringing tears to viewers' eyes. The letter contained a heartfelt message of support: “We want to see Dad working again.” Lee Hwi-jae eventually burst into tears while reading this letter. It is known that the pure and sincere comfort from his children, who had witnessed their dad's worries and difficult times most closely during his long hiatus, became the decisive factor that led him back to the stage.
The image of 'Superman Dad' taking to the pitcher's mound at a baseball stadium with his two children in his arms remains vivid in many people's memories. The twins, who at the age of two set records for the youngest ceremonial first pitch and first swing, have now become reliable supporters cheering on their dad's new challenge. Thus, his return, backed by the strong support of his family, conveys an emotional message that goes beyond a simple return to broadcasting, reminding us of the power of family love and the meaning of a new life.
A New Image and Reflections Shown On Stage
Lee Hwi-jae, who took to the 'Immortal Songs' stage after a long hiatus, sang with such sincerity that his break seemed to fade away. Rather than the flashy image of his past heyday, he filled the stage with a calmer and more earnest atmosphere, showing himself connecting with the audience. This also suggests how much contemplation and self-reflection he underwent during his time away.
On stage, he did more than just sing; he had the opportunity to directly communicate with the public for the first time in a long while. Fans who came to the venue welcomed his return with warm applause and unwavering support. It is reported that Lee Hwi-jae was able to take a new step as a broadcaster amidst such encouragement from his fans.
This stage was a place for him to show his will to start anew and be faithful to the present, rather than trying to reclaim past glory. His tearful remarks about his return and his sincere demeanor on stage left a deep impression on many. This can be summarized as a significant point indicating that he has overcome past controversies and returned as a more mature individual.
Lee Hwi-jae's Future Activity Plans and Public Perception
Public interest in Lee Hwi-jae's future endeavors is high following his successful comeback stage. Currently, it is known that he is cautiously reviewing his next projects rather than committing to a fixed role in a specific program. His agency stated cautiously that, starting with his appearance on 'Immortal Songs,' they “plan to gradually expand his scope of activities,” suggesting a phased return rather than hasty engagements.
Public reactions remain varied. While there are voices of support such as, “I hope he works hard again, even for his children,” and “His hosting abilities are still needed,” there are also considerable criticisms, like, “He needs to show more definite change and sincerity regarding past controversies.” This implies that his public evaluation could change depending on how he communicates with the public and what image he presents in the future.
Entertainment industry officials analyze that since Lee Hwi-jae still possesses a long career and excellent hosting skills, it is important for him to approach the public with a sincere attitude and humbly accept past mistakes. Attention is focused on how much his future activities can move the public's hearts, and whether he can overcome past controversies to establish himself as a new broadcaster.
Concluding: Expectations for Broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae
Four years ago, 'Superman Dad' Lee Hwi-jae, who ran around the field with his two children in his arms, now stands before the camera again, backed by his children's strong support. His return is more than just a celebrity comeback; it embodies the preciousness of family and the meaning of a new beginning found after long self-reflection. The tears he shed on stage represented the weight of the past and his earnest desire to resume activities.
The public holds both expectations and concerns regarding his return. Many are keenly watching to see if he can overcome past controversies and demonstrate genuine change, and if, beyond being a 'Superman' dad, he can usher in a second heyday as broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae, once again beloved by the public. Attention is focused on the sincere actions and new image he will present in the future.
This content is general information compiled based on publicly available data. Please verify accurate details with official announcements from relevant organizations.
