tvN's 20th anniversary special "The Second Signal" has ultimately given up its June and summer scheduling, and Apple TV+'s "Pachinko" is planned to be additionally slotted in.
On the 17th, OSEN reported that "The Second Signal" (hereafter Signal 2), tvN's highly anticipated 20th anniversary project starring Cho Jin-woong, who caused social controversy due to a history of juvenile crime, was finally removed from the summer programming schedule including June. It is reported that Apple TV+'s series "Pachinko" season 1 will fill that slot.
However, that does not mean "Signal 2" will never be seen. tvN currently plans to take more time and consider the show's scheduling more deeply. According to sources, discussions are under way leaving open the possibility of airing in the second half of this year or by year-end. Because it was planned to mark tvN's 20th anniversary, they are seriously considering ways to ensure it does not extend beyond this year.
A tvN official told OSEN, "It is true that Apple TV+'s 'Pachinko' has been confirmed for tvN's schedule, but an exact broadcast date and time slot have not yet been determined," expressing caution.
Last December, tvN also said, "'The Second Signal' is a work we have prepared with care with the goal of releasing it in the 2026 summer season to express our gratitude to viewers who waited 10 years. We deeply empathize with viewers' disappointment and concern faced with the current situation, and with heavy and sorrowful hearts," and added, "To preserve the value of 'Signal,' even if it takes some time, we will do everything we can to find the best solution for the work and the viewers," announcing their official position.
"Signal 2" is a sequel to "Signal," which aired in 2016 and gained tremendous popularity; Kim Hye-soo, Lee Je-hoon, and Cho Jin-woong reunited after 10 years, drawing attention from the planning stage. Writer Kim Eun-hee wrote the script again following the first installment, and all filming was completed, but after Cho Jin-woong's past surfaced, the show's broadcast became uncertain.
Last year, a media outlet reported that Cho Jin-woong committed a serious crime in high school, received juvenile protection measures and was sent to a juvenile detention center. Reports followed that he received a fine for an assault incident during his unknown years, and that he had a record of drunk driving; suspicions also spread that his use of his father's stage name was intended to hide past offenses, amplifying the fallout.
In response, his agency issued an official statement acknowledging some facts. "After confirming with the actor, we verified that there were wrongful actions in his minor years," but added, "Because it was more than 30 years ago, it is difficult to fully ascertain the exact circumstances, and the related legal procedures have already been concluded." However, they drew a clear line regarding allegations of sexual assault: "We want to make it clear that he is not related to any sexual assault acts," they emphasized.
Later, through his agency Cho Jin-woong said, "I bow my head and apologize to everyone who believed in and supported me for disappointing you with my shameful past. I humbly accept all reproach and will cease all activities as of today, bringing my acting career to an end. I believe this is the proper responsibility I must bear for my past mistakes," and announced his retirement from acting.
[Photo] OSEN DB, 'Signal' poster
[OSEN]