On February 12, tvN announced that it would strengthen its programming strategy by focusing on its primary target demographic, described as “tvN New Adults.” This group is defined as adults who carry the responsibilities of reality while still embracing trends and emotional sensibilities, spreading positive energy. They are considered flexible content consumers who skillfully navigate multiple media platforms and have a keen eye for valuable programming. According to the network, key content keywords for this audience include high-impact “dopamine” entertainment that helps viewers escape reality, meaningful empathy, comfort and healing, and proven comedy.
Notably missing from the lineup was The Second Signal, widely known as Signal 2. The project had previously been under discussion, particularly following actor Cho Jin Woong’s private life controversy, which prompted the network to reconsider its scheduling timeline. As of now, the drama has not been included in the confirmed programming slate.
Under the theme of “dopamine-inducing” content, tvN is preparing several high-intensity projects. The fatal romance thriller Siren’s Kiss will premiere on March 2 at 8:50 p.m., followed by Mad Concrete Dreams on March 14, a drama centered around a staged kidnapping involving a struggling landlord, starring Ha Jung Woo. In the second half of the year, the occult romance Chilling Romance is also set to air. Variety offerings such as PD Lee Woo Hyung’s new program Street Restaurant Fighter (working title), the expanded dessert-focused Space Rice Cake Shop, the third season of Iron Girls, and Kill It: Style Creator War (working title) are also included in the 2026 slate.
In the “valuable empathy” category, tvN plans to present relatable and comforting stories. The cohabitation romance Our Universe, which premiered on February 4, is already gaining traction. Upcoming dramas include Filing for Love starring Shin Hye Sun and Gong Myung, and Four Hands featuring Song Kang, Lee Jun Young, and Jang Gyuri. On the variety side, Kim Tae Ri’s theater-themed show After School with Teacher Taeri is set to premiere on February 22.
For viewers seeking comfort and healing, The Village Barber continues to receive praise, while new programs such as Ensemble, which follows children taking on a choir challenge under musical director Kim Moon Jung, and the shared-living reality show Gugidong Friends are on the way. The third season of tvN’s signature healing variety show Fresh Off the Sea is also set to return.
In the “proven comedy” lineup, office romance drama See You at Work Tomorrow! and youth growth series My Favorite Employee have secured slots. Additional titles such as Love in Disguise and bromance series Euntoeyowon Gwanritim promise reliable laughs. Kim Sook and Song Eun Yi’s Unpredictable House and the third season of travel variety Sixth Sense: City Tour are scheduled for the latter half of the year. Producer Na Young Seok is also preparing multiple new variety projects.
Meanwhile, the espionage romance 100 Days of Lies is being positioned as a high-quality blockbuster drama. TVING originals such as Yumi’s Cells 3 and Kitchen Soldier are also expected to air on tvN.
Park Sang Hyuk, head of CJ ENM’s Media Business Unit, stated, “By defining our 2026 core audience as ‘tvN New Adults,’ we will listen closely to market demands and deliver diverse entertainment experiences tailored to their preferences.”
Sources: Nate
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