Lee Jae-in Opens Up About Yoo Ah-in: “Haven’t Seen Him Since 4 Years Ago… It’s Not Easy to Work in That Situation”

In a recent interview for the film Hi-Five, actress Lee Jae-in candidly addressed the topic of former co-star Yoo Ah-in, revealing that she hasn’t seen him since filming wrapped four years ago.

Speaking at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul on May 29, Lee reflected:

“I haven’t seen him since the shoot. In a situation like that, it’s not really easy to meet or work together.”

She added that even during ADR (dubbing), she recorded her parts alone and wasn’t sure about the others’ involvement.

Hi-Five, which finished filming in 2021, tells the story of five strangers who develop superpowers after organ transplants. Lee plays the role of Wan-seo, a taekwondo prodigy who gains enhanced strength and speed after a heart transplant.

Despite its lighthearted premise, the film’s release was delayed significantly due to Yoo Ah-in’s legal issues. In early 2023, he came under investigation for habitual drug use, resulting in a suspended sentence.

Yoo’s controversy inevitably cast a long shadow over the movie’s promotional activities. As Lee indirectly acknowledged, it’s understandably difficult for cast members to remain connected or publicly supportive when one of them is embroiled in such a scandal.

Still, Hi-Five made a surprisingly strong debut. According to the Korean Film Council, the movie drew over 380,000 viewers in just three days, claiming the top spot at the Korean box office. After briefly dropping to second place on May 31, it bounced back to No.1 on June 1—beating out Hollywood’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

The movie’s success, despite delays and controversy, speaks to the public’s continued interest in its quirky plot and ensemble cast. But Lee’s comment serves as a subtle yet telling reminder of how scandals can ripple through not just careers—but personal and professional dynamics behind the scenes.