Jo Jin-woong's Retirement Announcement Casts Shadow Over 'Signal 2' Release; Lee Je-hoon Sighting Sparks Fan Anxiety and Anticipation

Actor Jo Jin-woong's sudden retirement announcement has intensified speculation surrounding the release of tvN's drama 'Signal 2,' where he plays a pivotal role.

Amidst this uncertainty, a sighting of co-star Lee Je-hoon on set has gone viral online, fueling a mix of anticipation and concern among fans. Recently, a netizen shared photos on social media, captioned, "Lee Je-hoon 'Signal 2' filming sighting. The thought that we might not get to see this makes me dizzy."

The images show Lee Je-hoon in a police uniform, exuding a youthful charm reminiscent of his character, Detective Park Hae-young. 'Signal 2,' a special project commemorating tvN's 20th anniversary, had reunited the original lead cast, including Kim Hye-soo, Jo Jin-woong, and Lee Je-hoon, working with writer Kim Eun-hee.

While all filming was reportedly completed in August and post-production is well underway, Jo Jin-woong's central role as Detective Lee Jae-han presents a significant hurdle. His substantial screen time and narrative importance mean that his retirement could impact the drama's broadcast. Industry insiders are discussing potential contractual penalties related to social controversies of main actors affecting a project.

However, others suggest that the production team might opt to release the completed series despite the controversy. Meanwhile, Lee Je-hoon is currently starring in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3.' The aftermath of Jo Jin-woong's decision is expected to linger as viewers await the fate of 'Signal 2.'

Korean netizens expressed mixed feelings, commenting, "I really want to see Signal 2! I hope Jo Jin-woong's situation doesn't prevent us from seeing it," and "Seeing Lee Je-hoon's photos makes me want to watch it even more." Many are hoping for a resolution that allows the drama to be released.