The Second Signal, which had been postponed indefinitely following controversy over actor Cho Jin Woong‘s past as a juvenile offender, will finally be broadcast. The production team even attempted to replace the actor using artificial intelligence (AI), but technical limitations prevented the plan from being implemented.
On November 6, tvN released an official statement announcing that The Second Signal would premiere on December 7 as a Monday-Tuesday drama.
The series will air at 10 p.m. and consist of eight episodes. Episodes 1 and 2 will be broadcast back-to-back on December 7, followed by Episode 3 on December 8. After that, one episode will air every Monday and Tuesday.
For the premiere, the broadcaster plans to shorten and adjust some portions of the first episode while preserving the overall flow of the story.
tvN explained that it had considered various options for releasing the series after the controversy emerged.
In particular, the network stated, “We explored ways to make modifications using video technology and also conducted tests to replace an actor using AI.”
However, it added, “There are limitations in naturally recreating acting performances and maintaining the flow of the narrative, making it difficult to implement the technology in the final version.”
Ultimately, tvN decided to air the series without using AI to replace Cho Jin Woong.
The network also acknowledged public concerns surrounding the controversy. “The misconduct in a particular cast member’s past is certainly not an issue that a broadcaster can take lightly,” tvN stated, while emphasizing that “The Second Signal is not the work of just one cast member.”
It continued, “From the initial planning stages through filming and post-production, this is a collaborative creative work that reflects the time and efforts of numerous staff members, production personnel, and other individuals involved.” The network cited this as one of the reasons behind its decision to proceed with the broadcast.
tvN particularly stressed, “We want to make it clear that releasing this series does not mean endorsing or justifying the issue.”
The network added, “We understand that this decision may not address all the concerns that have been raised. However, we believe we must also consider the viewers who have waited a long time for the series, as well as the efforts of the many actors, staff members, and production personnel who have worked hard to bring it to completion.”
The Second Signal is the sequel to the 2016 drama Signal. The mystery crime series follows investigators who use a walkie-talkie to communicate between the past and present while solving long-unsolved cases. The original drama’s leading cast members, Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, and Cho Jin Woong, are all returning.
Kim Eun Hee wrote the screenplay, while Ahn Tae Jin is directing.
The series was originally scheduled to air this year, but its broadcast was postponed indefinitely after Cho Jin Woong’s past as a juvenile offender came to light in December last year.
Sources: Nate