tvN has officially announced the return of its acclaimed series Signal with the release of a captivating teaser for its highly anticipated second season. Unveiled on March 12, 2025, this brief 15-second clip has sparked renewed enthusiasm among dedicated fans who have long awaited updates about this groundbreaking crime thriller.
Teaser and What It Reveals
The teaser begins with the unmistakable static of a walkie-talkie struggling to tune in. Amidst this transmission disruption, a voiceover ominously states:
“The radio will start again.”
The video culminates with the announcement that Signal season 2 is scheduled to air in 2026. Along with the teaser, tvN shared an enticing caption:
“The radio will start again. The long-awaited voice in the radio rings again. The Second Signal First broadcast in 2026 | tvN.”
Fans React on Social Media
In response to the teaser, fans of the original 2016 drama flocked to social media, sharing their exhilaration and nostalgia. Some pointed out the specific release time of 11:23 PM KST, which resonated with significant events from the first season. One fan on X noted:
“They posted this teaser at exactly 11:23… the time where Lee Jaehan and Park Hyeyoung connect on the radio & the exact time Detective Lee Jaehan died in #Signal.”
As discussions about the teaser’s timing continued, many expressed their eagerness for the sequel.
“SIGNAL S2 teaser dropped at 11:23 — the time of Detective Lee Jaehan’s death and the time the walkies connect— OH, THE HYPE IS SO REAL!”
“Tears rolled down my face. ONE OF MY FAV KDRAMAS EVER… But why so late, ahhhhh WHY 2026?”
“You mean we have to wait until 2026. It’s okay, we’ve been waiting since 2016, so I guess we’ll be fine.”
“SIGNAAAALLLLL!!! OMG. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE KDRAMA. The bad guy is crying. I’ve been waiting for season 2 for so long. Season 1 was still in 2016. 10 years ago? Wow. Hahaha.”
The Long-Awaited Sequel Is Finally Here
Almost ten years after its historic debut, Signal is set to make its comeback with the eagerly awaited second season. On March 5, tvN confirmed that Signal season 2, officially titled The Second Signal, will premiere in early 2026, coinciding with the network’s 20th-anniversary festivities.
What Made Signal a Phenomenon?
Originally aired from January to March 2016, the first season emerged as one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television, peaking at 12.544% viewership ratings.
This riveting series, inspired by real-life criminal cases, portrayed detectives from varying eras as they tackled unsolved mysteries via a mysterious radio frequency.
Despite a cliffhanger finale that left many questions unanswered, a sequel remained uncertain for years. However, in March 2024, screenwriter Kim Eun-hee announced that season 2 was officially in production, a confirmation that excited many fans.
Further details emerged at the CJ ENM Content Talk 2025 event in February, where Park Sang-hyuk, a prominent figure at CJ ENM, unveiled the production timeline. Actress Kim Hye-soo also provided a video update, revealing that filming had commenced.
Original Cast Returns for the Sequel
The beloved original cast—Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong—will reprise their roles as profiler Park Hae-young, detective Cha Soo-hyun, and veteran officer Lee Jae-han, making it a rare instance of a drama reuniting its main cast after such a lengthy intermission.
In an interview, director Jang Hang-jun hinted at exciting developments by confirming, “the original actors are all in.” Additionally, Ahn Jae-hong (known for his role in Mask Girl) will join the cast, although his character details are still under wraps.
Setting Expectations High
Signal season 1 was lauded for its intricate storyline, compelling characters, and realistic portrayal of intricate investigations. Drawing inspiration from notorious real-life events, like the Lee Hyung-ho Kidnapping Case and the Dentist Mother-Daughter Murder Case, the series excelled at weaving thought-provoking social commentary throughout its narrative.
With Kim Eun-hee leading the scriptwriting again, anticipation for the sequel soars. Reports suggest that season 2 will deliver thrilling plot twists, emotional depth, and a continuation of the engaging narrative that captivated audiences before.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, fans can expect season 2 to address unresolved mysteries from the first season while introducing new cases and expanding on the show’s complex themes. The long-awaited return arrives at a time when the crime-thriller genre has broadened, heightening expectations for the sequel.
As the development of season 2 progresses, excitement among the fandom remains palpable for what will unfold in 2026.