Lee Hwi Jae Apologizes For Making Fun Of Sung Dong Il At SBS Drama Awards

by Chiqui Guyjoco / Jan 02, 2017 06:39 AM EST

TV personality Lee Hwi Jae offered his apology after netizens criticized him for making fun of actor Sung Dong Il at the 2016 SAF SBS Drama Awards.

"The Return of Superman" star and fourth-time co-host of the event took to Instagram to offer his public apology for his comments during the ceremony Saturday night.

"First, everything is my fault, and there are no excuses. I'm very very sorry," wrote the 44-year-old comedian-actor, according to Soompi.

He added that he already apologized to the 52-year-old veteran actor Sung Dong Il.

Lee Hwi Jae, who hosted the event with Girl's Day's Minah and Hallyu star Jang Geun Suk, picked at Sung Dong Il's casual attire.

"I can't tell if you're a PD or an actor. You're an actor, right?" Soompi quoted the host as saying.

The host continued despite Sung Dong Il's lukewarm response and even asked if the latter came from the set or from home. He carried on the joke when Sung Dong Il walked up on stage to received the Special Acting Award, Actor in a Fantasy Drama for the series "The Legend of the Blue Sea."

"Oh, so he was wearing a coat because he's cold," said Lee Hwi Jae.

Co-host Minah tried to downplay Lee Hwi Jae's remarks when she said that the veteran actor still looked sharp but her co-host continued with, "Sung Dong Il, the director and actor. Oh, you were wearing [a suit] under [your coat]!"

Lee Hwi Jae also included singer IU and "My Annoying Brother" actor Ju Jung Suk in his apology.

The host remarked that he sensed something between IU and her "Scarlet Heart: Goryeo" co-star Lee Joon Gi.

He also prompted Ju Jung Suk to mention his girlfriend and singer Gummy while delivering his acceptance speech for the Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Romantic Comedy Drama for "Jealousy Incarnate."

"To IU, Jo Jung Suk, and any actors or viewers who may have felt discomfort at what I said, I sincerely apologize. I apologize for everything that happened as a result of my own ambition [to do better]," said Lee Hwi Jae.