Actor Yoo Ah-in has made his first appearance at an official film event since the Supreme Court confirmed a suspended prison sentence for his drug use charges.

Yoo attended the VIP premiere of the film 'Hope,' held at Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the afternoon of July 13.

As one of the most anticipated films of the year, the event drew numerous stars including Lee Jung-jae, Yum Jung-ah, Cha Tae-hyun, Lee Ji-ah, Teo Yoo, Shim Eun-kyung, and BLACKPINK members Jisoo and Rosé. However, it was Yoo Ah-in who garnered the most attention.

Yoo did not stand at the photo wall designated for the press. However, his attendance became known after he was spotted by witnesses and captured in YouTube videos at the venue.

Dressed in a black shirt and trousers, Yoo wore a hat pulled low over his face. Although he minimized his exposure, he was easily recognizable. It was reported that he attended the premiere accompanied by director Jang Jae-hyun, known for his work on 'The Priests' and 'Exhuma.'

The two are reportedly working together on the film 'Vampire.' Regarding this, the investment and distribution company NEW remained cautious, stating, "It is true that we are in discussions, but nothing has been confirmed." Nevertheless, their joint appearance at an official event has added weight to the possibility of his casting.

Yoo is currently facing public criticism over whether his potential return is "too early," as rumors of a comeback have surfaced about three years after his drug scandal. His appearance at an official film industry event has drawn intense focus from both industry insiders and the public.

Yoo halted all activities in early 2023 after his drug use case was uncovered. He was charged with using medical propofol and other substances 181 times between September 2020 and March 2022, illegally purchasing over 1,100 sleeping pills under others' names on 44 occasions between May 2021 and August 2022, and smoking marijuana in the United States with an individual identified as Choi and others on three occasions in January 2023, as well as abetting others to smoke. In July of last year, the Supreme Court finalized his sentence of one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with a fine of 2 million won.



Reported by Kim Ji-hye | Produced by SBS Entertainment News