Actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Um Hong-sik, 39) has been released after receiving a suspended prison sentence in the appeal trial for drug use charges.
As a result, the films he starred in are expected to be released one after another. In particular, the highly anticipated Go movie 'Game', which marks his first meeting with Lee Byung-hun, has confirmed its theatrical release on March 26.
‘Game’, Confirmed for Release Despite Yoo Ah-in Controversy… Recreating the Legend of Go with Lee Byung-hun
'Game' is a film depicting the fierce competition between the representative of the Korean Go world, Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun), and his disciple Lee Chang-ho (played by Yoo Ah-in). It explores the complex emotions of the two Go geniuses who were rivals and mentor-student, who dominated an era.
This work was originally scheduled for Netflix release after filming was completed in 2021, but was postponed indefinitely due to Yoo Ah-in's drug use controversy. It later shifted from Netflix to a theatrical release, confirming its premiere on March 26 through distributor By4M Studio.
The film is generating more anticipation as it features the acting chemistry between Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in, with director Yoon Jong-bin also participating in the screenplay. In particular, Lee Byung-hun is expected to showcase another intense acting transformation through this film.
Will Yoo Ah-in's Suspended Sentence Affect the Release of 'Game'?
Previously, Yoo Ah-in was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 2 million won in the first trial and was taken into custody. However, in the appeal trial held on the 18th, his sentence was reduced to one year in prison with a two-year suspension, leading to his release from custody.
Yoo Ah-in is accused of using medical narcotics such as propofol, midazolam, and ketamine 181 times from 2020 to 2022. He is also accused of illegally obtaining over 1,100 sleeping pills through prescriptions under another person's name on 44 occasions. Additionally, he faces charges of smoking marijuana in the U.S. with accomplices and instructing YouTuber Hairmon on how to smoke.
The court considered Yoo Ah-in's continuous expression of remorse and the fact that it was his first offense, leading to the suspended sentence. Thus, Yoo Ah-in has resolved his legal issues for now, but public sentiment remains cold.
Will Lee Byung-hun's Position Change? Challenges Left by the Release of 'Game'
Lee Byung-hun has already led box office success with 'Concrete Utopia' and has several projects lined up this year. However, it remains uncertain whether 'Game' can achieve successful box office results despite Yoo Ah-in's controversy. Particularly, although Lee Byung-hun stars in the film, the image of it being Yoo Ah-in's comeback project is likely to be more prominent.
The distributor is expected to minimize Yoo Ah-in's presence in the promotion of 'Game' and focus on Lee Byung-hun. However, the audience's reaction will be revealed after the release.
Will Yoo Ah-in Make Additional Comebacks After 'Game'?
It has been reported that discussions for the release of another film featuring Yoo Ah-in, 'High Five', have resumed. However, no specific schedule has been announced yet.
Whether Yoo Ah-in, who has resolved his legal controversies, can successfully return to the entertainment industry and whether the public will accept him again is likely to be determined by the box office performance of 'Game'.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
