Lee Hwi-jae returned to the broadcasting stage after about four years. He appeared on KBS 2TV variety show "Immortal Songs" in the "2026 Entertainment King Battle Part 1," meeting viewers after a long time.

On the broadcast, Lee Hwi-jae chose Choi Ho-seop's "When Time Passes" for his performance. Before singing, he said, "I chose this song because the lyrics seem to fit my current situation well," and added, "I have reflected a lot during the past four years and have come back. Please watch with that in mind."

During the show, he also shared updates about his twin sons, Seo-eon and Seo-jun. When MC Shin Dong-yup asked their ages, Lee Hwi-jae replied, "They are now in the first year of middle school." Regarding how his children became aware of his broadcasting activities, he said, "They didn't really know what I was doing before, but during the four years I took a break, they came to understand my situation." He also showed tears while conveying the heartfelt support from his sons through letters. When Shin Dong-yup asked, "Did they encourage you with letters?" Lee Hwi-jae added, "They said they hope I work." He mentioned that his children know about his album release and that they sing along or brag about it to their friends.

In his comeback stage, Lee Hwi-jae won one match against comedian Moon Se-yoon but lost to the team of Kim Shin-young and Chun Dan-bi. Regarding his feelings about returning, he revealed that the day he was contacted for the offer was the anniversary of his mother's passing, and said, "In the past, I didn't understand the value of work, but now, meeting colleagues and coming to the broadcasting station itself is happiness."

He explained that he had been living back and forth between Korea and Canada with his family. Regarding rumors about the purpose of the Lee Hwi-jae family's stay in Canada, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho clarified, "It was not a long-term stay but just an extended break." He also addressed claims that it was a loophole to enroll the twins in an international school, saying, "If that were the case, there would be no reason for Lee Hwi-jae to accompany them to Canada."

Meanwhile, there was controversy over his appearance being a comeback due to connections, but Lee Jin-ho explained, "Lee Hwi-jae had been trying to return for one or two years but was ignored by the broadcasting industry. This appearance is just a one-time event, and there are no scheduled broadcasts afterward."

Lee Hwi-jae currently has no specific additional plans regarding the resumption of his broadcasting activities.