On December 19, tvN expressed deep regret, stating, “We fully empathize with the disappointment and concern of viewers facing the current situation and share a heavy and sorrowful heart.”
Earlier this month, Cho Jin Woong admitted that he had a troubled youth, including criminal activities such as vehicle thefts and violent crime during his teenage years. Reports revealed that he had been involved in serious crimes including robbery and sexual assault and was sentenced to a juvenile detention center in 1994. Further allegations about his adulthood also emerged, including an assault on a fellow actor in 2003 and a DUI incident in 2004.
Although Cho Jin Woong admitted to most of the charges, 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 take for my past. I will do my best to reflect and live properly as an individual.”
Cho’s departure casts a shadow Signal 2the sequel to the hit 2016 drama film Signal. Season 2 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 reiterated their commitment to the project: “Signal 2 was created with immense care and anticipation, aiming for a release in the summer of 2026 to honor the decade-long wait of its fans.” They added: “This project involved numerous staff members, actors and collaborators. Even if it takes longer, we will do our best to find the best possible solution for both the work and the audience, preserving the integrity and value of the work. Signal.”
With growing public sentiment and industry pressure, the fate of Signal 2 now depends on how tvN deals with these unprecedented circumstances.
Sources: born
