China issues rules to regulate actor billing order disputes in TV and web dramas
Following the news of actor Jo Jin Woong's past juvenile record and his announcement of retirement from acting, the release of the tvN drama The Second Signal, which had already completed filming, became uncertain, prompting the production team to devise countermeasures.
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."
The statement makes no specific mention of the release or programming schedule.
The Second Signal is a sequel to Signal, which aired in 2016, and has completed filming with writer Kim Eun Hee reuniting with the original lead cast, including Jo Jin Woong, Kim Hye Soo, and Lee Je Hoon. As a commemorative project for tvN's 20th anniversary, it had drawn high expectations both domestically and internationally. However, expectations took a turn after Dispatch released a report on the 5th of this month that Jo Jin Woong had been involved in a serious crime during his teenage years. Following the report, Jo Jin Woong announced his retirement, and the controversy has cast uncertainty over the K-drama's release.
Signal tells the story of detectives from the past and present who communicate through a walkie-talkie and solve long-term unsolved cases. The K-drama is among the most beloved by both domestic and international audiences. Season 1's viewership peaked at 12.54% nationwide, and it earned the team numerous awards, including Best Drama, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards, as well as the Presidential Commendation at the Korea Content Awards, among others.
Source (1)
