The tvN drama Signal 2, the sequel to the 2016 hit series Signal, is now facing uncertainty following lead actor Jo Jin Woong’s sudden retirement. On December 19, the production team released a statement explaining the situation.
They said that Signal 2 is a project prepared with care and dedication, and they are grateful to viewers who have been waiting for the past 10 years. They also emphasized,
From planning to production, countless staff, actors, and involved parties have worked together on this project.
Even if it takes some time to preserve the value that Signal holds, we will devote all efforts to finding the best approach for both the work and the viewers.
Signal 2 was planned to commemorate tvN’s 20th anniversary and reunites Jo Jin Woong, Kim Hye Soo, and Lee Je Hoon under the writing of celebrated writer Kim Eun Hee. Filming was completed in August after six months of production, and the drama was initially scheduled to air in the summer of 2026. Fans were excited for the sequel, especially given the massive success of the original series.
The situation changed dramatically when reports surfaced in early December 2025 about Jo Jin Woong’s past juvenile criminal record, which included serious offenses. His agency confirmed some of the incidents, and Jo immediately issued an apology on December 6, announcing his retirement. He said, “I apologize for causing disappointment due to past matters,” adding, “I humbly accept all criticism and, as of today, will suspend all activities.”
This announcement has created a major challenge for the production. Jo’s role as Detective Lee Jae Han is central to the story and serves as the emotional backbone of the series.
Industry insiders note that removing or recasting his character would be very difficult due to the importance of his scenes. The production cost is reportedly in the hundreds of billions of won, which adds pressure to any decisions.
The controversy has already had ripple effects. Other networks have removed or altered content featuring Jo, and the uncertainty has affected the stock prices of companies like CJ ENM and Studio Dragon. Rumors are that tvN or its parent company could seek damages from Jo Jin Woong or his agency, with claims rumored to reach up to 10 billion won.
Currently, tvN has not made a final decision on whether Signal 2 will air. Options include reshooting Jo’s scenes with a new actor, canceling the broadcast entirely, or postponing the release indefinitely. In their statement, the representative emphasized, “Whether the show will air is undecided, and internal discussions are planned.”
