Five months of isolation, zero days of self-reflection.. Can there be commercial films without the public? Dark clouds loom over Yoo Ah-in's return [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

'Drug offender' actor Yoo Ah-in (40, real name Eom Hong-sik) is proceeding with activities without a self-reflection period, sparking strong public backlash.

Investment and distribution company NEW confirmed on the 18th that Yoo Ah-in will officially star in director Jang Jae-hyun's new film 'Vampire'. Yoo Ah-in has already completed script readings alongside other cast members, and the release date is set for 2028.

Moreover, Yoo Ah-in was confirmed to have secured the largest role by being cast first among prominent actors such as Lee Sung-min, Lee Jun-hyuk, and Yoon Kyung-ho. This demonstrates that 'their own world' exists regardless of Yoo Ah-in's drug controversy. Director Jang Jae-hyun had previously issued a statement denying early rumors about Yoo Ah-in's casting, calling them 'false', which speaks volumes about the film industry's 'deception of the public'.

There is no star above the public, yet somehow 'drug offender' Yoo Ah-in is racing ahead without any regard for the public.

With his role in 'Vampire' confirmed, Yoo Ah-in has effectively recorded zero days of self-reflection. Given that he is still within his probation period, it is only natural that public backlash against his return is intense.

As the Prosecution Service stated, Yoo Ah-in's crimes are extremely 'severe'. From September 2020 to March 2022, he habitually injected 181 doses of propofol, a medical narcotic, at hospitals in Seoul. Additionally, from May 2021 to August 2022, he illegally obtained prescriptions for over 1,100 sleeping pills under others' names on 44 occasions.

Furthermore, between January and February 2023, Yoo Ah-in smoked marijuana multiple times in Los Angeles (LA), USA. When his companion, YouTuber A, discovered this, he is accused of attempting to make A an accomplice by demanding that A also smoke marijuana.

As a result, Yoo Ah-in was sentenced to one year in prison in the first trial in September 2024 and was detained, being held at Seoul Detention Center. He was released after five months of imprisonment following a reduced sentence in the second trial in February 2025. In July of that year, the Supreme Court finalized the ruling: one year in prison with two years probation, a fine of 2 million won, recovery of illicit gains totaling 1.54 million won, and completion of an 80-hour drug rehabilitation education program.

Yoo Ah-in's probation period extends until July 2027, yet he has already begun filming 'Vampire' this month and continues his work activities as usual. Ultimately, the gap caused by his detention in prison amounts to a 'break', making it impossible for the public to welcome his return. While genuine reflection and self-reflection by celebrities who have caused controversy may be absent, commercial films cannot exist without the public. This is why dark clouds are gathering over Yoo Ah-in's return, which was warmly welcomed with open arms by the film industry.

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*This content was translated by AI.