tvN sets December 7 premiere for drama sequel after AI replacement test
The Korean broadcaster said it tried an AI-based test to swap out a performer but did not use it, and confirmed an 8-episode run starting December 7.
Korean broadcaster tvN announced on November 6 that its drama sequel to its 2016 series will air as a Monday-Tuesday drama starting December 7, according to rbbtoday.com. The network also disclosed that it ran an AI-based test to replace a performer in the drama but ultimately did not use it.
The sequel runs 8 episodes in total and airs at 22:00, with three episodes in its first week. On December 7, episode 1 will air in a shortened, adjusted form followed directly by episode 2, and episode 3 follows on December 8.
In a statement, tvN said the drama is not a work built around any single cast member, and that airing it does not mean defending or justifying any issues. The cast includes Cho Jin-woong, Kim Hye-soo and Lee Je-hoon.
Production delays and the AI test
The sequel's broadcast had been postponed indefinitely from a planned June slot this year. In December 2025, reports emerged about Cho Jin-woong's juvenile protective measures from his school years; his agency said that after checking with him, he acknowledged having acted wrongly as a minor. Cho apologized and announced his retirement from acting, at which point filming for the sequel had already been completed.
The original series aired in 2016 and was remade in Japan. The sequel reunites Kim Hye-soo, Lee Je-hoon and Cho Jin-woong, with Kim Eun-hee writing the script.
Quick answers
When does the drama sequel premiere?
It premieres on December 7 as a Monday-Tuesday drama on tvN, with episodes 1 and 2 airing back to back and episode 3 on December 8.
How many episodes will it have?
The series has 8 episodes in total and airs at 22:00, with three episodes in its first week.
Did tvN use AI to replace an actor?
tvN said it conducted an AI-based test to swap out a person in the drama but did not adopt it in the final version.