Hit series 'Signal' to return after a decade

Mystery crime series sequel to be released next year with original cast

From left: Kim Hye-soo, Cho Jin-woong and Lee Je-hoon (Hodu & U Entertainment, Saram Entertainment and Company On)

South Korean cable channel tvN’s hit series “Signal” is set to return with a second season.

The sequel, titled “Second Signal” (direct translation), is slated for release in the first half of 2026, aligning with tvN’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

The original lead trio ― Kim Hye-soo, Cho Jin-woong and Lee Je-hoon ― will reprise their respective roles Cha Soo-hyun, Lee Jae-han and Park Hae-young, according to tvN.

Along with the returning casts, the series is once again written by Kim Eun-hee, the acclaimed writer behind hit K-dramas such as “Kingdom” and “Sign," and will be directed by An Tae-jin, the filimmaker behind "The Night Owl," which won best picture at the 59th Baeksang Arts Award.

First aired in 2016, “Signal” is a crime thriller that follows detectives from the past and present as they reopen long-unsolved cases, linked by a mysterious radio transmission. The series ended on an open-ended note, revealing the survival of the long-term missing person Lee Jae-han.

Praised for its gripping narrative and unique premise of solving cold cases through a time-transcending walkie-talkie, "Signal" earned widespread acclaim during its run.

The final episode of “Signal” recorded its highest viewership ratings, peaking at 15 percent, according to Nielsen Korea.