Actor Yoo Ah In is making headlines again as he returns to the screen in the film “The Match“, despite ongoing legal issues related to drug abuse. The fact that he is already back with a major project not long after his high-profile scandal has surprised many. Previously, critics believed his career would be irreparably damaged by the serious allegations he faced. Yet, reality paints a different picture. “The Match” doesn’t just feature Yoo Ah In it reflects the Korean film industry’s continued willingness to embrace talented artists, even if they come with controversy.
However, his return raises tough questions: Is the public becoming too lenient with stars who break the law? Can Yoo Ah In rely solely on his acting talent to regain public favor, as if nothing happened? Is the success of “The Match” driven by his charisma, or is it simply a well-made film? These factors are fueling heated debate.
Scandal and Sentencing: A Dark Chapter
In February 2023, Yoo Ah In was investigated for abusing illegal substances, including propofol and marijuana. According to the indictment, he abused 9.6 liters of propofol across 181 incidents at 14 hospitals between September 2020 and March 2022. He also allegedly obtained over 1,000 sleeping pills under false names and encouraged others to use drugs.
The scandal rocked the entertainment industry, especially given Yoo Ah In’s status as a top-tier actor. Major brands dropped him, and films featuring him were postponed or recast. In February 2025, the court sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with fines and mandatory rehabilitation. During the trial process, he also spent five months in custody. The final verdict was more lenient than the prosecution’s original demand of four years in prison — reduced based on findings that his use involved high doses of medical drugs and unauthorized sleeping pills.
A Triumphant Return with “The Match”
After a long hiatus, Yoo Ah In made a strong return with “The Match“, which quickly gained box office success and public attention. This underscored his enduring appeal, even after controversy.
According to the Korean Film Council, “The Match” drew over 540,000 viewers during its opening weekend, capturing 61.7% of total box office revenue. It eventually surpassed 700,000 viewers, dominating the charts.
Directed by Kim Hyung Joo, the film depicts the real-life rivalry between Go master Jo Hoon Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun) and his prodigious pupil Lee Chang Ho (played by Yoo Ah In). Initially abandoned by Netflix due to the scandal, the film made its way to theaters and proved a hit.
Public Reaction: Forgiveness or Fleeting Success?
Yoo Ah In’s return has divided public opinion. Some fans welcome him back, praising his talent and arguing that he deserves a second chance after facing consequences and showing remorse. To them, an artist’s legacy should be based on performance, not personal mistakes.
Others, however, warn that the current success may be temporary. They argue that Yoo Ah In’s actions are too serious to be easily forgiven and reflect concern that the entertainment industry once known for its high standards might be relaxing its stance. Comparisons to other disgraced stars like Park Yoochun and Kang Ji Hwan, whose careers never recovered, further fuel skepticism.
His comeback also comes at a time when the Korean entertainment industry has grown less tolerant of scandal. Many past stars have vanished after similar controversies, and critics believe Yoo Ah In must demonstrate genuine growth and change to fully win back public trust.
A Glorious Career and the Challenge of Redemption
Before the scandal, Yoo Ah In was hailed as one of Korea’s most gifted actors, with standout roles in “Veteran”, “Burning” and “The Throne”. At just 29, he became the youngest Best Actor winner at the Blue Dragon Awards a rare feat.
His success extended to TV, with hits like “Six Flying Dragons” and “Chicago Typewriter“. His unique style and transformative performances earned him recognition as a serious artist.
Some stars have rebounded after scandals. Joo Ji Hoon revived his career post-drug scandal with “Mask” and “Kingdom“. Lee Byung Hun also overcame personal controversies through sheer acting prowess. But Yoo Ah In’s case is more complex — his issues involved legal violations that deeply affected public perception.
Whether he can follow in these footsteps remains uncertain. He must now prove that his skills as an actor can outshine his past — and that he truly understands the weight of his actions.