Director Shares His Concerning Run-In With Yoo Ah In At His Father’s Funeral
Director Kim Hyung Joo, who wrote and directed the upcoming Korean movie, The Match, recently talked about actor Yoo Ah In and his drug scandal.
On March 21, Kim did a media interview at a café in Jongno, Seoul, where he was asked if he was still in contact with Yoo Ah In after his high-profile drug abuse case. The director responded with a straightforward “No.”
Both he and I are not the touchy-feely type, so we have never contacted each other [outside of work].
— Kim Hyung Joo
However, Kim recalled that he had met Yoo Ah In briefly at the actor’s father’s funeral last year.
I went to pay my respects to the actor’s (Yoo Ah In) father’s funeral last year and saw him there.
— Kim Hyung Joo
The director explained that the circumstances were not suitable for a conversation but Yoo Ah In had a brief chat with him, where he expressed his distress about his situation.
(At that time) Yoo Ah In said briefly, ‘I have committed a crime that deserves death. I have nothing to say.’
— Kim Hyung Joo
Kim also stated that Yoo Ah In hadn’t watched the final cut of The Match since he was overseas during a 2022 staff screening of the movie, indicating that his relationship with the actor was not exactly on close terms.
The Match, originally set to premiere on Netflix, was shelved in 2023 after Yoo Ah In became embroiled in a high-profile drug case. Netflix eventually dropped the film, but By4M studio later acquired the distribution rights and recently announced its theatrical release on April 26.
During the March 19 press screening of The Match, director Kim acknowledged the severity of Yoo Ah In’s legal troubles.
To be honest, I think his actions were irresponsible and disappointing as a lead actor. He is now facing the consequences of his mistakes as a member of the society.
— Kim Hyung Joo
Meanwhile, Yoo was originally sentenced to one year in prison after being caught using propofol 181 times without proper prescriptions. He was also charged with obtaining prescription medication using someone else’s identity and smoking marijuana overseas.
You can learn more about Yoo Ah In and his release on probation below:
