Actor Yoo Ah-in, who halted activities over drug use charges, made a rare public appearance at the VIP screening of the film Hope, instantly drawing wide attention.
On the 13th, the VIP screening for director Na Hong-jin’s new film Hope was held at Megabox COEX in Seoul’s Gangnam District. Big-name stars from across the entertainment industry turned out in force.
Clips and photos spreading on online communities and social media showed Yoo Ah-in at the venue. He skipped the photo wall where reporters were gathered, but is said to have greeted acquaintances inside the theater.
In the released video, Yoo Ah-in wore a black shirt and pants with a cap pulled low. Holding a tumbler in one hand, he cautiously looked around as he moved, then broke into a bright smile when he spotted a friend, saying, "It’s been a while," before sharing a hug.
This appearance is not part of an official industry comeback schedule. Still, because Yoo Ah-in has stayed inactive since the drug case, his decision to show up at a major film event is fueling speculation about his next steps.
Witness accounts also claimed he appeared alongside director Jang Jae-hyun, who helmed the film Exhuma. With reports that Yoo Ah-in is considering a role in Jang’s next project, Vampir, many watched to see whether the two arrived together.
However, distributor NEW drew a line on the Vampir casting rumors, stating, "Nothing has been finalized."
Previously, Yoo Ah-in was indicted for allegedly habitually administering medical propofol for about a year and six months starting in September 2020, and for illegally purchasing prescription sleeping pills under another person’s name. He was initially sentenced to one year in prison and a 2 million won fine and was taken into custody in the first trial. On appeal, the sentence was reduced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, plus a 2 million won fine, and he was released. The Supreme Court later upheld the ruling, making it final. The case fallout led to a prolonged hiatus and disrupted release schedules for his projects.