Lee Hwi Jae's return to television after a four-year absence has triggered a surge of conflicting public sentiment. Following the March 28, 2026 KST broadcast of KBS2's 'Immortal Songs', hundreds of posts flooded viewer message boards and online communities, debating the appropriateness of his comeback during the '2026 Celebrity Singing Competition' special. While some viewers welcomed his return, others remained critical, leading to a heated exchange of opinions across various digital platforms.
Supporters of his return focused on the perceived sincerity of his emotional testimony, particularly regarding his reflection on past mistakes and the support from his family. Many noted that the letter from his twin sons, expressing their wish to see their father work again, resonated deeply with parents in the audience. These viewers argued that a four-year period of self-reflection was sufficient and expressed interest in seeing Lee Hwi Jae utilize his experience as a veteran entertainer once more.
Conversely, a significant portion of the audience expressed discomfort, labeling the comeback as premature. Critics frequently cited his past inter-floor noise controversy and questioned the sincerity of using family-oriented narratives to win back public favor. Some pointed out that a public broadcaster should exercise more caution when casting controversial figures, suggesting that a formal apology to those affected should have preceded any television appearance. The divided reaction suggests that winning back the trust of disillusioned viewers remains a significant hurdle for
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