News of Signal 2’s possible release in November has reignited online debate, particularly over whether actor Cho Jin Woong will appear in the drama unchanged following his recent controversy and retirement announcement.
According to a June 30 report from MyDaily, the long-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit drama “Signal” is expected to premiere on Nov. 30 as an eight-episode Monday-Tuesday series.
The report quickly gained attention because it stated that the production team decided to air the drama without heavily editing Cho Jin Woong’s scenes. However, tvN later denied that any programming schedule had been officially confirmed.
According to AllKPop, a tvN representative told local media that “nothing has been finalized,” showing the network’s cautious stance in the growing public debate.
The controversy surrounding Cho Jin Woong has become a major topic again after reports about allegations related to his youth resurfaced.
Earlier this year, claims spread online that the actor had been involved in vehicle thefts during high school and had spent time in a juvenile detention center. His agency acknowledged that mistakes had occurred during his youth, but said the events had occurred more than 30 years ago and that all legal issues had already been resolved.
Fans are divided over Cho Jin Woong’s unreleased appearance
Following the backlash, Cho Jin Woong publicly apologized and announced that he would be stepping away from the entertainment industry. At the time, he stated, “I’m sorry that I disappointed everyone who believed and supported me,” before declaring an end to his acting career, TheChosun reported.
As soon as news about “Signal 2” emerged again, reactions online were sharply divided. Some viewers argued that the drama should not air with Cho Jin Woong appearing unedited, saying the network should reconsider the broadcast itself. Others feel differently, saying it would be a shame for a completed project involving many staff members and actors to remain unreleased due to controversy.
The upcoming series reunites original cast members Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo and Cho Jin Woong. Writer Kim Eun Hee and director Ahn Tae Jin will also return for the sequel.
“Signal 2” has already been delayed several times since it was initially planned as part of tvN’s 20th anniversary lineup.
