[Official] "Not an endorsement of Cho Jin-woong's 'juvenile delinquent' past"… "Signal 2" confirms December 7 premiere [Full Statement]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Cho Jin-woong’s retirement work, "Signal 2," has confirmed its scheduling for December 7.

tvN announced an official stance on the scheduling of its new drama "The Second Signal" (hereinafter referred to as "Signal 2") on the 6th. The network stated, "We are taking seriously the concerns and opinions you, our viewers, have expressed regarding the drama. The misconduct in the past by a specific cast member is an issue that we, as a channel, cannot view lightly."

They continued, "However, 'Signal 2' is not the work of a single cast member. It is a collaborative creative product that embodies the time and effort of numerous staff members, production crews, and stakeholders from the planning stage through filming and post-production. We believe it is necessary to distinguish between evaluations of an individual cast member, the value of the work itself, and the efforts of the creators who participated in it." They added, "Therefore, after much deliberation, we have decided to schedule 'Signal 2' as a tvN Monday-Tuesday drama starting December 7, with a cautious approach."

tvN explained, "Considering the genre characteristics of the work and the viewing environment comprehensively, we plan to broadcast it at 10 p.m., which is later than the usual time slot. Additionally, taking into account the progression of the eight-episode series and the overall viewing flow, we will air three episodes in the first week. On the premiere day, within the range that maximally maintains the flow and immersion of the story, we will slightly reduce and adjust the content of Episode 1 to schedule Episodes 1 and 2 consecutively. The following day, we plan to broadcast Episode 3, where the main story begins. Subsequently, we will continue broadcasting one episode each on Mondays and Tuesdays."

Furthermore, tvN stated, "In reaching this decision, we examined various options to minimize concerns while maintaining the quality of the work. We explored revision methods using video technology and conducted tests for character replacement utilizing AI (artificial intelligence). However, due to limitations in naturally implementing acting expressions and narrative flow, it is difficult to apply these technologies as a final solution." They also asked for understanding regarding Cho Jin-woong’s appearance.

Finally, they conveyed, "We clearly state that the release of the work does not mean endorsing or justifying the issue. While this decision may not fully resolve all the concerns you have expressed, we determined that it is also necessary to consider the efforts of the many actors, staff, and production crew who have done their best in their respective positions to complete the work, as well as those who have waited a long time for it. We will convey the inherent story and meaning of 'Signal 2' with value, while not forgetting our responsibility as a channel."

Cho Jin-woong completed filming for "Signal 2," taking on the role of Detective Lee Jae-han following Season 1. However, last December, it was revealed that he had received a juvenile protection disposition during his teenage years (juvenile delinquent record), leading to a controversy over his private life. He acknowledged the controversy and declared his retirement from the entertainment industry. As a result, "Signal 2," which was caught in the crossfire, had its scheduling postponed indefinitely, but it will finally reach viewers as a tvN Monday-Tuesday drama starting December 7. The work has drawn attention for reuniting star screenwriter Kim Eun-hee with Kim Hye-soo, Lee Je-hoon, and others.

▼ Below is the full text of tvN’s official statement.

Hello, this is tvN.

We are taking seriously the concerns and opinions you, our viewers, have expressed regarding the drama .

The misconduct in the past by a specific cast member is an issue that we, as a channel, cannot view lightly. However, is not the work of a single cast member. It is a collaborative creative product that embodies the time and effort of numerous staff members, production crews, and stakeholders from the planning stage through filming and post-production. We believe it is necessary to distinguish between evaluations of an individual cast member, the value of the work itself, and the efforts of the creators who participated in it.

Therefore, after much deliberation, we have decided to schedule as a tvN Monday-Tuesday drama starting December 7, with a cautious approach. Considering the genre characteristics of the work and the viewing environment comprehensively, we plan to broadcast it at 10 p.m., which is later than the usual time slot. Additionally, taking into account the progression of the eight-episode series and the overall viewing flow, we will air three episodes in the first week. On the premiere day, within the range that maximally maintains the flow and immersion of the story, we will slightly reduce and adjust the content of Episode 1 to schedule Episodes 1 and 2 consecutively. The following day, we plan to broadcast Episode 3, where the main story begins. Subsequently, we will continue broadcasting one episode each on Mondays and Tuesdays.

In reaching this decision, we examined various options to minimize concerns while maintaining the quality of the work. We explored revision methods using video technology and conducted tests for character replacement utilizing AI. However, due to limitations in naturally implementing acting expressions and narrative flow, it is difficult to apply these technologies as a final solution.

We clearly state that the release of the work does not mean endorsing or justifying the issue. While this decision may not fully resolve all the concerns you have expressed, we determined that it is also necessary to consider the efforts of the many actors, staff, and production crew who have done their best in their respective positions to complete the work, as well as those who have waited a long time for it. We will convey the inherent story and meaning of with value, while not forgetting our responsibility as a channel.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original