Korean actor Yoo Ah-in was released from prison for habitual drug use but was excluded in the promotions for the upcoming film “The Match.”
In September last year, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Yoo Ah-in to one year in prison and imposed a fine of two million won (about $1,390).
The actor appealed his sentence and last Jan. 18, the court modified the decision and imposed a suspended sentence. The court sentenced Yoo Ah-in to one year in prison suspended for two years and a fine of two million won. With the decision, Yoo Ah-in was freed.
Yoo Ah-in (Screenshot from JTBC News video)
Poster for the film "The Match" featuring Lee Byung-hun (BY4M STUDIO)
The court stated, "It appears that the defendant used small amounts of drugs to control pain and sleep as he had been suffering from sleep disorders and depression for a long time and could not sleep properly. Considering various sentencing conditions such as the motive for the crime, means and results, and circumstances after the crime, we recognize that the sentence handed down in the first trial was unfair and excessive."
Despite his release, Yoo Ah-in will not be promoting the film “The Match,” which stars the actor and Lee Byung-hun.
“The Match,” originally set for release on Netflix, will now be released in theaters in South Korea.
Yoo Ah-in was completely edited out of the official trailer for “The Match” and will not be participating in any promotional activities.
"Yoo Ah-in will not be attending any promotional events, such as previews, press conferences, and interviews related to the movie, and there are no plans for promotion,” a representative from the film told Korean media.