tvN Reportedly Pulls “Signal 2” From Its Summer 2026 Release Lineup, Fans Furious
Actor Cho Jin Woong’s personal controversy has left the release schedule of “Signal 2” uncertain, and discussions are underway about whether Pachinko could fill the vacant slot.
A tvN official stated on the 17th of April to The Fact, “It is true that ‘Pachinko’ has been confirmed for broadcast on tvN, but the exact scheduling has not yet been decided.”
Earlier that day, reports claimed that the drama “Signal 2” (the sequel to Signal) had been removed from the summer lineup, including June, and that “Pachinko” would take its place. However, tvN acknowledged the programming of “Pachinko” while refraining from confirming a specific broadcast date.
“Signal 2” is the follow-up to the 2016 hit “Signal,” which recorded peak ratings of 15%. Writer Kim Eun Hee and original cast members such as Kim Hye Soo and Lee Je Hoon were set to return, raising high anticipation. However, the project’s schedule became unclear after Cho Jin Woong, who was cast as detective Lee Jae Han, announced his retirement following past controversy allegations.
Cho Jin Woong declared his retirement in December last year, just one day after allegations surfaced regarding serious crimes during his high school years. His agency at the time, Saram Entertainment, stated that while there were confirmed past mistakes during his youth, “it is difficult to fully determine the circumstances from over 30 years ago,” and clarified that “it is unrelated to sexual assault.”
Cho Jin Woong later apologized through his agency, saying, “I sincerely apologize for disappointing those who trusted and supported me due to my past misconduct,” and added that he would accept all criticism and halt all activities.
Regarding the situation, tvN previously stated, “‘Signal 2 is a project created with the efforts of many people from planning to production,” adding that they will “do their utmost to find the best possible solution for the work and viewers, even if it takes time to preserve the value of ‘Signal.’”
This caused massive backlash from fans as the series was something many had been waiting for for over 10 years.
Source: (A)
