With actor Cho Jin-woong's retirement announcement casting doubt on whether the drama 'The Second Signal' will air, the show's side issued a statement after two weeks.
On the 19th, tvN's 'The Second Signal' (abbreviated 'Signal 2') told OSEN, "'The Second Signal' is a work we have been preparing with care, aiming for a summer 2026 release to convey our feelings to viewers who waited 10 years."
However, the situation has become unclear because actor Cho Jin-woong, who appears in the drama, has been embroiled in allegations related to juvenile delinquency and announced his retirement. In response, the 'Signal 2' side said, "We, who are facing the current situation, deeply empathize with viewers' disappointment and concern, and we feel frightened and regretful."
The 'Signal 2' side added, "'The Second Signal' is a work that involved numerous staff, actors and personnel from planning through production. To preserve the value that 'Signal' holds, even if it takes some time, we will make every effort to find the best solution for the work and for viewers."
Meanwhile, reports surfaced claiming that Cho Jin-woong was involved in vehicle theft and other incidents as a high school student and spent time in a juvenile detention center, followed by reports that he was fined for an assault during his unknown years and had a record of drunk driving.
In response, the agency issued a statement that night saying, "After confirming with the actor, we found that there were wrongful actions during his minor years." However, it explained limits, saying, "Because it was more than 30 years ago, it is difficult to fully ascertain the exact circumstances, and related legal procedures have already been concluded."
As the controversy continued, Cho Jin-woong, through his agency, said, "I bow my head and apologize to everyone who trusted and supported me for causing disappointment due to my past regrettable actions," and announced his retirement, saying, "I humbly accept all these reproaches, and as of today I will suspend all activities and put an end to my career as an actor."
Below is the full official statement from tvN's 'The Second Signal' side
'The Second Signal' is a work we have been preparing with care, aiming for a summer 2026 release to convey our feelings to viewers who waited 10 years. We, who are facing the current situation, deeply empathize with viewers' disappointment and concern, and we feel heavy and regretful.
'The Second Signal' is a work that involved numerous staff, actors and personnel from planning through production. To preserve the value that 'Signal' holds, even if it takes some time, we will make every effort to find the best solution for the work and for viewers.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]