On December 19, tvN expressed deep regret, stating, “We fully empathize with the disappointment and concern of viewers facing the current situation, and we share a heavy and sorrowful heart.”
Earlier this month, Cho Jin Woong admitted to having a troubled youth, including criminal activities such as vehicle theft and violent offenses in his teenage years. Reports revealed he had been involved in serious crimes including robbery and sexual assault and was sentenced to a juvenile detention center in 1994. Additional allegations also surfaced about his adult years, including assaulting a fellow actor in 2003 and a DUI incident in 2004.
While Cho Jin Woong admitted to most of the claims—excluding sexual assault—he announced his retirement from the entertainment industry on December 6. In his statement, he said, “This is the responsibility I must bear for my past. I will do my best to reflect and live right as an individual.”
Cho’s departure casts a shadow over Signal 2, the sequel to the hit 2016 drama Signal. The second season was one of tvN’s biggest upcoming projects for 2026, featuring the return of all three original leads—Kim Hye Soo, Lee Je Hoon, and Cho Jin Woong. Filming for the entire season has already been completed.
In their official response, tvN reaffirmed their commitment to the project: “Signal 2 was created with immense care and anticipation, aiming for a summer 2026 release to honor the decade-long wait of its fans.” They added, “This project involved numerous staff, actors, and collaborators. Even if it takes more time, we will do our utmost to find the best possible solution for both the work and the audience, preserving the integrity and value of Signal.”
With public sentiment and industry pressure mounting, the fate of Signal 2 now rests on how tvN navigates these unprecedented circumstances.
Sources: nate