TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to alcohol and drug addiction.Famed actor Yoo Ah-in is all set to return to the entertainment industry. The actor, whose career had come to a halt after his involvement in a drug use case, will be making his tentative return with an upcoming occult thriller movie. Here is all that we know about the project so far.
Yoo Ah-In to return to the big screen after the drug case
According to reports shared online by The Korea Herald, the actor has been attached to an upcoming film titled ‘Vampir.’ Described as an occult film with supernatural and thriller elements, the movie will have the actor portray the role of one of the main protagonists.According to the reports shared online, he will be taking on the role of a contract killer who is tasked with tracking down a mysterious pagan occult group. His character is described as someone who is cool, calm, and collected even in the worst challenges; however, as he begins to uncover things in his case, his belief system starts to crumble. Jang Jae-hyun, best known for directing the 2024 horror film ‘Exhuma,’ has joined the project as a director.Other actors who are also set to be cast in the upcoming film include Lee Sung Min, Lee Jun Hyuk, Doy, Yoon Kyung Ho, and Choi Hyun Wook. The principal photography for the project started this month, while the official filming is slated to begin soon. The cast has already started working on the scripts and has started sitting down for table reads for the film. ‘Vampir’ is aiming for a theatrical release sometime in 2028.
More about Yoo Ah-In’s drug controversy
At the peak of his popularity in the Korean entertainment industry, Ah-In’s career came to a standstill after he was accused of repeatedly using propofol, marijuana, and other controlled drugs. For context, any form of drug usage in South Korea is illegal, and if found guilty, people are served with extreme and strict sentences. According to the case investigation, it was revealed that the actor illegally obtained propofol from hospitals all around the Seoul district between 2020 and 2022 on 181 different occasions.In 2025, the court reached an official verdict in February, sentencing the actor to one year in jail, a two-year suspended sentence, and a fine of 2 million KRW. His probation period is set to continue until July 2027. A statement from the court documents read that his sentence was changed: “Considering the motive, method, and consequences of the crime, as well as circumstances after the offence, the sentence handed down in the first trial was too heavy and unfair.”Before his controversy, he had filmed ‘The Match’ and ‘Hi-Five,’ which were postponed due to the controversy and ongoing case. However, they were officially released last year. He was also replaced as the lead in season two of ‘Hellbound,’ a popular OTT series.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, please seek help from available helplines or support organizations.
