South Korean actor Cho Jin-woong (조진웅) recently announced his full retirement from the entertainment industry after his juvenile criminal record came to light, followed by a string of past controversies. However, the K-drama 'Signal 2,' in which he stars, had already completed filming. Now, the series faces broadcasting difficulties due to the lead actor's scandal, transforming a highly anticipated sequel into a focal point of controversy. The drama's broadcast date has finally been confirmed, once again igniting fury among Korean netizens.
According to Korean media outlet MyDaily on October 25, the tvN drama 'Signal 2' is confirmed to premiere on December 7, airing every Monday and Tuesday. The series was originally scheduled to begin on November 30 but was delayed by a week. On December 7, the first two episodes will air back-to-back, with subsequent episodes airing one at a time starting December 8.
Considering the controversy sparked by Cho Jin-woong's retirement, the production team initially planned to cancel all promotional activities and proceed directly with the broadcast. However, it is reported that relevant parties are still evaluating whether to have other lead actors attend a pre-recorded production press conference, with Cho Jin-woong not participating.
'Signal 2' is the sequel to the popular K-drama 'Signal,' coming 10 years after the first season. The drama was originally slated to air in June of this year to coincide with tvN's 20th anniversary but was indefinitely postponed due to Cho Jin-woong's controversy. Filming for the series was completed in August of last year. Unexpectedly, just as the work was about to be released, Cho Jin-woong's past juvenile record was suddenly exposed, immediately putting the broadcast plan on red alert.
According to Korean media, Cho Jin-woong received juvenile protective measures and was sent to a juvenile detention center during high school for his involvement in serious crimes. He was accused of being involved in car theft and sexual assault cases with accomplices, and also of stealing a car left running on the roadside, committing multiple crimes while driving without a license. After these details emerged, public opinion was outraged, leading to Cho Jin-woong's eventual announcement of his retirement from the entertainment industry.
In response to the lead actor's scandal, the production team considered removing all of Cho Jin-woong's scenes or modifying them using AI technology. However, given his significant role in the drama, they ultimately decided not to make major cuts and to broadcast the original version, a decision that has sparked widespread debate.
'Signal' centers on a walkie-talkie connecting the past and present, depicting detectives from different timelines collaborating to solve cold cases. The sequel, 'Signal 2,' is also highly anticipated, starring Lee Je-hoon (이제훈), Kim Hye-soo (김혜수), and Cho Jin-woong, with Kim Eun-hee (김은희) as screenwriter and Ahn Tae-jin (안태진) as director. However, in addition to Cho Jin-woong's personal controversies, the drama has also been embroiled in plagiarism allegations, leading to continuous criticism even before its broadcast.
As the broadcast date for 'Signal 2' is confirmed, intense discussions have erupted among Korean netizens. Many are dissatisfied with the production team's decision to retain the original content and proceed with the broadcast, especially given that Cho Jin-woong plays a righteous detective in the drama, a stark contrast to his real-life controversies, making it difficult for some viewers to accept.
One netizen questioned, "How are we supposed to watch a righteous police character like this?" Another sarcastically remarked, "A drama with plagiarism and a criminal actor, airing directly without any explanation – do they think the public is stupid?" and "I knew it would air eventually. The screenwriter's controversy surprises me more than the actor's." Other comments included, "It's disgusting," and "This drama is a complete rip-off. I've disliked Kim Eun-hee ever since, and now with Cho Jin-woong, it's hilarious that they're still airing it."
Furthermore, some netizens directed their criticism at the broadcasting station and production team, commenting, "The broadcasting industry is truly corrupt," "They're going to air this kind of work? How absurd," "I really don't think this drama should be broadcast on TV," "Not even editing it is too much; they should at least pretend to take some measures," "A drama with plagiarism and an actor involved in real criminal controversies – how can it still air?" and "Is there no broadcasting ethics anymore?"
Some netizens even stated that they no longer consider the first season of 'Signal' relevant and were surprised that a sequel was being made. Others criticized screenwriter Kim Eun-hee, finding the related controversies not just brazen but unbelievable. Regarding suggestions to use AI to replace Cho Jin-woong's scenes, a netizen retorted, "Even if they use AI to change his face, the script itself is accused of plagiarism. How can they air it then?"
Since Cho Jin-woong is not a minor supporting character but one of the main leads, and his character's image sharply contrasts with his real-life controversies, many viewers find the broadcast arrangement unacceptable. Although 'Signal 2' has finally secured its air date, it is already embroiled in continuous controversy even before its premiere, making its ability to regain audience anticipation a key focus of public attention.
Below are translated comments from Korean netizens
1. I'll just consider the open ending of Season 1 as the true ending. I won't watch this one... 2. The 'Signal 2' I looked forward to so much is becoming Cho Jin-woong's farewell work... This is my life drama, what really happened, it's unbelievable;;; Who would watch it? Thinking about the staff, it's like a bolt from the blue ㅠㅠ 3. This drama is very similar to dramas from other countries. What's the screenwriter's stance? Are they still pretending not to know?
4. Exactly. Isn't this the biggest problem with this drama? 5. XDD… I'm a loyal fan, I even bought the Season 1 Blu-ray, sigh. 6. I think the plagiarism is a bigger issue than Cho Jin-woong's problem. (Not saying Cho Jin-woong is innocent at all)
7. Hahaha, for this work alone, I don't want to sympathize with the staff. It's adapted from real events... It's already infuriating enough that people who've enjoyed celebrity status for decades are still around, but now they're letting someone like this play a righteous detective as their farewell role? Isn't this an insult to the victims? 8. Even quietly releasing it on TVING would cause controversy, but they're still going to broadcast it on TV. 9. It's not similar, it's exactly the same. The couple can still come out smiling, how thick-skinned.
10. It really is exactly the same...? I'll just watch that other drama for the ending, hahaha. 11. So it's still going to air. Will Cho Jin-woong get his full payment? 12. There's also no response to the plagiarism.
13. The character is a police officer, and it's still allowed to air. 14. I knew this would happen. 15. A plagiarized work being so brazen.
16. Isn't this a bigger problem? To just push it through like this is too much. 17. But there's no news or reports about the plagiarism, why? 18. Doesn't this drama also have issues with the Miryang case?
