The sequel’s future remains uncertain following Cho Jin-woong’s retirement amid controversy
Hit K-drama “Signal” is reportedly set to return for a sequel in December, though broadcaster tvN said Monday that no premiere date has been confirmed.
According to local reports, “Signal” Season 2 is slated to premiere on Dec. 7 as part of tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama lineup.
However, the broadcaster dismissed the reports. “Nothing has been decided,” tvN told The Korea Herald regarding the series’ premiere date.
First aired in 2016, “Signal” is a fantasy crime thriller about detectives from the past and present who communicate through a mysterious walkie-talkie that transcends time. The series was both a commercial and critical success, winning best drama at the 2016 Baeksang Arts Awards.
The original series starred Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo and Cho Jin-woong in the lead roles.
In March 2025, tvN announced that “Signal” would return with a sequel in the second half of 2026, generating considerable anticipation. However, the project’s future became uncertain after Cho became embroiled in controversy in December 2025, following revelations about his juvenile criminal record.
At the time, local media reports alleged that Cho had committed crimes during his high school years, including car theft and sexual assault, and had spent time in a juvenile detention center. Cho subsequently acknowledged having a juvenile criminal record but denied the sexual assault allegations.
“I sincerely apologize for disappointing everyone who has trusted and supported me due to my disgraceful past actions,” Cho said in a statement released through his agency in December 2025, days after the allegations emerged.
He later announced his retirement from acting, saying he would cease all professional activities and bring his acting career to an end.
Since then, “Signal” Season 2 was removed from the broadcaster's drama lineup for the latter half of 2026. Its premiere date remains unconfirmed.
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