Despite being on hiatus following a highly publicized drug controversy, actor Yoo Ah-in continues to make headlines in April. His name has surfaced in multiple significant events, with a successful film release, another movie set to premiere, and now, a controversial nomination for Best Actor at the 23rd Directors’ Cut Awards.
Yoo Ah-in’s Controversial Nomination for Best Actor
On April 22, the Directors’ Guild of Korea (DGK) revealed the nominees for the 23rd Directors’ Cut Awards, and Yoo Ah-in’s name appeared in the Best Actor category. Alongside Hollywood star Robert Pattinson (Mickey 17), Yoon Joo-sang (The Land of Morning Calm), Lee Byung-hun (The Match), and Choi Min-sik (Exhuma), Yoo Ah-in was nominated despite his ongoing legal troubles.
The nomination has sparked considerable debate, as the public remains divided on whether an actor with such serious legal issues should be recognized for his work. This nomination is particularly significant because the Directors’ Cut Awards are decided by votes from fellow directors, not the general public.
The Match Success and **Hi.5**’s Prospects
Yoo Ah-in starred in the film The Match as Lee Chang-ho, a disciple struggling to overcome his mentor, Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun). The film had a rocky journey to theaters, as its original distribution through Netflix was uncertain after Yoo Ah-in’s drug allegations. However, the movie was later picked up by a new distributor, Bypoem Studio, and successfully premiered in theaters.
Despite the controversy, Yoo Ah-in was completely removed from promotional materials like posters and trailers, but the film still garnered positive feedback, especially for its portrayal of the characters’ complex relationship. The Match went on to become the second Korean film of the year to attract over 2 million viewers, signaling a strong performance amid the struggling theater industry.
Yoo Ah-in’s next major project, Hi.5, is scheduled for release on June 3. *Given the positive reception of The Match, it seems that audiences are focusing more on the quality of the film than the actor’s personal issues*. However, Yoo Ah-in has confirmed that he will not participate in promotional events for Hi.5, continuing his low public profile.
Public Backlash and Growing Debate Over Ethics in the Film Industry
The controversy surrounding Yoo Ah-in’s nomination for Best Actor brings up larger ethical questions about the film industry’s treatment of celebrities with criminal backgrounds. Yoo Ah-in was convicted for injecting propofol 181 times between 2020 and 2022 and is serving his sentence under probation. This has sparked public outrage, with many questioning whether the film industry should continue to support such individuals.
Yoo Ah-in’s situation draws parallels to that of T.O.P. from Big Bang, who also made a return to the public eye after a drug scandal, appearing in Squid Game Season 2. Despite the backlash from fans, director Hwang Dong-hyuk defended his decision to cast T.O.P., stating that the actor had served his time and was ready to return.
The backlash against Yoo Ah-in’s nomination highlights a growing concern about how the entertainment industry handles individuals with legal issues. The public debate is ongoing, and as the 23rd Directors’ Cut Awards ceremony approaches, it remains uncertain how Yoo Ah-in’s return to the industry will be received. The event, scheduled for May 20, will recognize various categories, including Best Actor and Actress, with nominees from films released between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.