Lee Hwi-jae [KBS2 'Immortal Songs']
Lee Hwi-jae [KBS2 'Immortal Songs']

Comedian Lee Hwi-jae, 53, has lost his father.

According to broadcasting industry sources, Lee's father, Lee Gang-il, died early Tuesday at the age of 87.

A memorial altar has been set up at Hanyang University Hospital's funeral home in Seoul, with condolence visits available from 2 p.m. The funeral is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday.

The deceased had appeared on the KBS2 program "Superman Is Back" alongside his son and twin grandchildren.

Lee Hwi-jae is the youngest of two sons and a daughter. He lost his mother in 2023.

Lee made his debut in 1992 on MBC's "Ilyo-il Ilyo-il Bame" ("Sunday Night Sunday Night") and went on to host a range of programs, including "Sponge," "My Wife's Taste" and "Superman Is Back." He stepped away from broadcasting in 2022 after becoming embroiled in controversy, but returned to screens this April as host of KBS2's "Immortal Songs."


paq@heraldcorp.com