The drama powerhouse tvN has officially unveiled its 2026 content lineup. However, the highly anticipated 'Signal 2', which garnered intense interest for its return after 10 years, has been excluded from the list, drawing attention to the reasons behind it.
On the 12th, tvN announced the major IP list that will be responsible for the year 2026. After proving its global success last year with titles like 'The Chef of the Tyrant' and 'Unknown Seoul', tvN is betting on genre pieces aimed at the new adult viewing audience and big productions featuring star actors this year.
◇ From Dopamine-Pumping Genre Pieces to Healing Variety Shows
First, intense new works will greet viewers starting in the first half of the year. Leading the charge is the romance thriller 'Siren', set to air in March, followed by 'How to Become a Property Owner in South Korea', which features a fake kidnapping plot, and the occult romance 'Chilling Romance', all lined up and ready to go. In the variety sector, 'Street Restaurant Fighter' and the spin-off of Earth Arcade, 'Cosmic Rice Cake Shop', along with 'Iron Girl Group Season 3', will bring the laughs.
The return works of top stars are also catching attention. 'Secret Thank You', starring Shin Hye-sun and Gong Myung, and Song Kang's comeback project 'Four Hands' have been confirmed for scheduling. Kim Tae-ri's first variety show challenge 'After School Teacher Tae-ri' and Park Bo-gum's 'Bo-gum Magical' are also programs that promise to showcase the actors' new sides. In the second half of the year, a spy romance blockbuster '100 Days of Lies' and a new variety show by PD Na Young-seok are lined up.
◇ The Disappearance of 'Signal 2', Has Jo Jin-woong's Risk Materialized?
The biggest shock amidst the glamorous lineup is undoubtedly the absence of 'Signal 2'. Initially considered the most anticipated work for 2026, its name has been omitted from this official announcement, making its production and airing within the year uncertain. Industry insiders analyze that the controversy surrounding lead actor Jo Jin-woong and his retirement announcement have had a decisive impact on the scheduling.
CJ ENM stated, "We will showcase the most self-planned IPs based on a single platform," expressing confidence, but the disappointment of fans who have been waiting for 'Signal 2' is unlikely to subside easily. It remains to be seen how the fate of this major production, which has drifted due to lead actor risks, will be determined.
