'The Second Signal' reportedly not airing this summer

The Second Signal is reportedly no longer part of tvN's summer lineup.

On April 17, OSEN reported that The Second Signal had been removed from its summer slot and would not premiere in June as initially planned. In response, tvN clarified later that day that no final decision had been made regarding the drama's broadcast. 

A tvN official stated, "The broadcasting schedule for The Second Signal is currently undecided."

The K-drama had been planned to be released 10 years after the 2016 broadcast of Signal as a commemorative project for tvN's 20th anniversary. Penned by writer Kim Eun Hee and starring Jo Jin Woong, Kim Hye Soo, and Lee Je Hoon — the crew and cast of the first season — it has been highly anticipated by both domestic and international fans. 

However, the K-drama suffered a major setback after lead actor Jo Jin Woong announced his retirement amid controversy over misconduct during his youth.

Following, on December 19, tvN said in an official statement, "This project has been prepared with the goal of a summer 2026 release, and we deeply empathize with the disappointment and concern of viewers who have waited for 10 years," adding that they are "heavy-hearted and saddened by the current situation." The production team emphasized, "As numerous staff members, actors, and related parties have been involved from planning through production, we will seek the best possible course of action for the production and its viewers, even if it takes time, to protect the value of Signal." 

According to local reports, The Second Signal has not been entirely canceled. Instead, tvN is reportedly taking time to reassess its release strategy. Originally planned as part of the network’s 20th anniversary celebrations this year, the drama is now said to be under consideration for a possible premiere before the end of 2026.

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