'Immortal Songs' ratings tank to 3% range after Lee Hwi Jae returns

The ratings for KBS2TV’s long-standing music program 'Immortal Songs' have tanked into the 3% range, as the production struggles to overcome significant public resistance toward broadcaster Lee Hwi Jae. According to data released on April 13, 2026 KST, Episode 751 recorded a national rating of 3.8%. This marks a notable 0.9 percentage point drop from the 4.7% recorded on April 4 and continues a sharp downward trend from the 6.6% peak seen on January 3. Industry analysts suggest that the production team’s insistence on a "forced comeback" for Lee Hwi Jae has backfired, causing ratings to plummet as audiences reject both his troubled personal history and his stale performance style.

The cold reception is deeply rooted in a series of past controversies that have shaped his "dislikeable" public image. Lee Hwi Jae has previously faced intense scrutiny over a severe floor noise dispute with neighbors and a widely criticized incident involving unpaid toys at an amusement park. Furthermore, his history of dismissive professional attitudes during major award ceremonies has left a lasting negative impression on viewers. While the broadcaster expressed a desire for a "second chance" during his recent appearances, many regular viewers remain unforgiving, viewing the decision to cast a controversial figure as a primary reason for the show's ratings hitting a new low.

The backlash was further catalyzed by a specific interaction during the April 4 broadcast in the waiting room. While the cast was attempting to liven the atmosphere, MC Kim Jun Hyun turned to Lee Hwi Jae and prompted him by saying, "Mister, please take care of this (solve it)." Lee Hwi Jae then stepped into the center MC position and attempted to rally the group by shouting, "Three claps, start!" While the on-screen cast responded with exaggerated enthusiasm, the reaction from the public was one of fatigue. Online communities slammed the scene as an anachronistic display of 1990s-style broadcasting, criticizing the reliance on such regressive hosting tactics rather than innovative content.

This situation underscores a broader systemic stagnation within the KBS variety bureau. Critics argue that instead of discovering new talent, the network continues to rely on the return of controversial veteran stars and faded tropes as short-term ratings boosters. This lack of creative vitality was previously highlighted by the cancellation of 'HongKimDongJeon' in 2024, which struggled to break the 1% threshold. Despite Lee Hwi Jae’s attempts to show remorse during the broadcast—stating he "knows best what he did wrong"—the combination of his troubled reputation and a formulaic hosting style suggests that the path to regaining public trust will be an uphill battle.