Actor Yoo Ah In, recently freed following an appellate court ruling, is poised to make his return to the screen with the highly anticipated film, “The Match.” The movie, scheduled for a March 26th release, will feature Yoo Ah In alongside renowned actor Lee Byung Hun.
“The Match” Unveils Official Trailer
On February 19th, the production team of “The Match” (directed by Kim Hyung Joo) released the film’s official trailer. The trailer showcased Lee Byung Hun’s transformation into the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun, along with glimpses of supporting actors Go Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jeong Hee, and Kim Kang Hoon. While Yoo Ah In’s face was not featured in the trailer, his participation as Lee Chang Ho, Cho Hun Hyun’s disciple, has been confirmed.
A Tale of Go Legends
“The Match” chronicles the intense rivalry between South Korea’s Go legend Cho Hun Hyun (Lee Byung Hun) and his talented disciple, Lee Chang Ho (Yoo Ah In and Kim Kang Hoon). The film depicts Cho Hun Hyun’s struggle to reclaim his position at the top of the Go world after facing defeat, driven by his unwavering competitive spirit.
Yoo Ah In’s Legal Journey and Release
Yoo Ah In’s release follows a tumultuous period marked by legal proceedings related to habitual drug use charges. The appellate court’s ruling on February 18th resulted in a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a 2 million KRW fine (approximately $1,380). This ruling overturned the initial trial’s harsher sentence and led to his immediate release.
Previously, the first trial had sentenced Yoo Ah In to one year in prison, a 2 million KRW fine, 80 hours of drug rehabilitation education, and a forfeiture of 1.54 million KRW, resulting in his detention.
Drug Use Allegations and Charges
Yoo Ah In faced charges of habitual propofol use (181 times between September 2020 and March 2022), illegal acquisition of sleeping pills (44 instances between May 2021 and August 2022), and cannabis use, including instructing others to smoke it.
Return to the Screen with “The Match”
After approximately five months in detention, Yoo Ah In’s appearance in “The Match” is seen as his unofficial return to the public eye. Regardless of his personal intentions, the film’s release will mark his first significant project since the legal controversy began. Fans and critics alike are anticipating his performance and observing how his career will progress following his release.
