After a four-year absence from the public eye, comedian Lee Hwi-jae returned to South Korean television on Thursday, captivating viewers not only with his performance but with a deeply personal revelation: his twin sons wished he would return to function. The emotional moment, broadcast on KBS2’s “2026 Yeonye Gae Wangjeon 1bu” (2026 Entertainment King Battle Part 1), marked a significant step in Lee’s comeback following a period of self-imposed hiatus.
Lee, 54, delivered a heartfelt rendition of Choi Ho-seop’s classic ballad “Seyol-i Ganeun” (“As Time Goes By”), a song he said resonated with his own journey of reflection. “I chose this song because the lyrics felt like they mirrored my situation,” he shared before his performance, adding, “Please watch with the understanding that I’ve spent the last four years thinking and preparing for this.” The return to television comes after Lee stepped back from public life in 2022 amid controversy surrounding a neighborhood noise dispute.
The broadcast also offered a glimpse into Lee’s life beyond the spotlight, revealing that his twin sons, Seo-eon and Seo-jun, are now middle school students. The comedian shared a particularly poignant detail about his sons’ support, explaining that they had begun to understand the reasons for his absence. “They’re at an age where they understand what I do,” Lee said, his voice cracking with emotion. “When they were younger, they thought I just went to exercise. But over the past four years, as they realized my mistake led to this break, they started writing me letters…without saying it directly.”
When prompted by MC Shin Dong-yeop, Lee confirmed that his sons had expressed a simple, yet powerful sentiment in their letters: “They said they wished I would go back to work.” He also shared that his sons are now fans of his music, listening to his songs in the car and proudly telling their friends about his new album. Shin Dong-yeop playfully quipped, “So they understand you were making money back then too!”
Navigating the Road Back to Broadcasting
Lee’s return hasn’t been without scrutiny. Some questioned whether his appearance on “Yeonye Gae Wangjeon” was secured through personal connections. However, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho refuted these claims, stating that Lee had been actively seeking opportunities to return to broadcasting for the past year or two. Lee Jin-ho explained in a video (replace with actual link if available) that Lee’s extensive network wasn’t enough to overcome initial resistance from the broadcasting industry, and that his appearance was not a guaranteed slot. He further emphasized that this appearance appears to be a one-time event, with no further broadcasting schedule currently confirmed.
The comedian himself acknowledged the significance of the opportunity, noting that receiving the call to appear on the show coincided with the anniversary of his mother’s passing, which he interpreted as a sign of her support. “I didn’t realize how precious [broadcasting] was when I was doing it all the time,” Lee said. “Just coming to Yeouido and getting energy from my colleagues makes me happy.”
Addressing Past Challenges and Family Life
Lee also addressed lingering questions surrounding his family’s extended stay in Canada. Rumors had circulated that the move was a tactic to facilitate his sons’ enrollment in a foreign school. However, Lee clarified that the initial intention was simply a period of rest, and the length of their stay was extended due to unforeseen circumstances. He added that if the goal had been school enrollment, he would have accompanied his sons to Canada, which he did not.
The decision to step away from the spotlight in 2022 followed reports of a dispute with neighbors over noise levels. Even as details of the incident remain somewhat private, the controversy led to a significant period of reflection for Lee and his family. His return to television signals a desire to rebuild his career and reconnect with the public, while acknowledging the lessons learned from the past.
The Impact on His Sons
Perhaps the most moving aspect of Lee’s return was the revelation of his sons’ quiet support. Their letters, filled with unspoken encouragement, underscored the profound impact his absence had on their lives. The fact that they now understand the complexities of his situation and actively express their desire for him to return to work speaks volumes about their maturity and resilience. This detail, more than any performance, resonated with viewers and fueled a wave of positive sentiment online.
Lee Hwi-jae’s return to television represents more than just a professional comeback; it’s a story of family, reflection, and the enduring power of support. While the future remains uncertain, his initial appearance suggests a willingness to face the challenges ahead and rebuild his connection with the audience that once embraced him. The next confirmed step for Lee remains unclear, but his willingness to re-engage with the entertainment industry signals a new chapter in his career.
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