Many drama fans who had been waiting for "The Second Signal" (hereinafter Signal 2) saw its planned June and summer season slot fail to materialize. Instead, Apple TV+ series Pachinko, which had once been available on a global OTT platform, will be slotted in as a replacement.
On the 17th, OSEN reported that Signal 2, a tvN 20th anniversary special starring Cho Jin-woong, who retired from the entertainment industry amid controversy over juvenile offenses, was ultimately removed from the summer season schedule that included June. With the slotting failing, Apple TV+ Pachinko season 1 is expected to be additionally slotted in the vacant spot as a replacement.
Pachinko, an eight-episode series, is expected to fill the approximately one-month gap between Shin Hae-sun's weekend drama A Secret Gratitude, which ends in late May, and Park Eunbin's Ossakhan Yeonae, scheduled for July.
Last year at year-end, revelations resurfaced that Cho Jin-woong had committed a serious crime during high school, received juvenile protection measures and was sent to a juvenile detention center, shocking the public. Additional allegations followed that he had received a fine for an assault during his unknown years and had a record of drunk driving, and suspicions spread that he used his father's stage name to conceal his past, causing the controversy to escalate widely.
In relation to this, his agency at the time said, "As confirmed with the actor, there were wrongful actions during his minor years," while adding, "It was more than 30 years ago, so it is difficult to fully ascertain the exact circumstances, and the related legal procedures have already been concluded," acknowledging some facts but drew a line by saying he was "not involved" in allegations of sexual assault.
However, Cho Jin-woong announced his retirement from acting at breakneck speed through his agency, saying, "I bow my head and apologize to everyone who trusted and supported me for being disappointed by my past unbecoming actions. I humbly accept all criticism, and effective immediately I will suspend all activities and bring an end to my acting career. I believe this is the appropriate responsibility I must bear for past mistakes."
Regarding the failed slotting, a tvN official told OSEN, "It is true that Apple TV+ Pachinko has been confirmed for tvN's schedule, but the exact broadcast date and time slot have not yet been decided," giving an official stance. They also repeated only that Signal 2 remains "scheduling undecided."
When the timing of Signal 2's release became controversial after the Cho Jin-woong incident in December last year, tvN said for the first time, "The Second Signal is a work prepared with care aiming for a summer 2026 release to convey our feelings to viewers who waited 10 years. We also deeply sympathize with viewers' disappointment and concern as we face the current situation, and we feel heavy and saddened," adding, "To preserve the value of Signal, even if it takes some time, we will make every effort to find the best course of action for the work and viewers."
At the same time, tvN has removed Signal 2, which was scheduled to be released in the summer from June to August, from its 2026 lineup list.
According to OSEN reporting, tvN currently plans to take more time to deeply consider the scheduling of Signal 2. Insiders say they are keeping open the possibility of airing it later this year or at year-end. As a major production planned to mark tvN's 20th anniversary, they are considering multiple ways to release it within the year.
Those who suffer most from Cho Jin-woong's past are co-stars Kim Hye-soo, Lee Je-hoon and the production staff. Signal 2 is a sequel to Signal, which aired in 2016 and received great love; Kim Hye-soo, Lee Je-hoon and Cho Jin-woong reunited after 10 years and drew attention from the planning stage. Writer Kim Eun-hee wrote the script again following the first installment, and all filming was completed, but with Cho Jin-woong's past surfacing, whether it will be broadcast has become uncertain, eliciting regret.
Above all, Kim Hye-soo and Lee Je-hoon are left waiting indefinitely for the airing of Signal 2, turning what was the most anticipated work into a situation that is now even difficult to speak of aloud.
[Photo] OSEN DB, Signal poster
[OSEN]