'Hi.5' to Be Released After 'The Match'; Can They Also Overcome the 'Yoo Ah-in Risk'?

The film 'Hi.5,' featuring actor Yoo Ah-in, who has been embroiled in a drug scandal, is set to be released this June.

On the 4th, the distributor NEW announced, "We are preparing for the release of 'Hi.5.' However, Yoo Ah-in will not participate in any promotional activities."

'Hi.5' is a story about five individuals who accidentally gain superpowers and encounter those who covet their abilities. Directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol, known for hits like 'Speed Scandal' and 'Sunny,' the film stars Lee Jae-in, Yoo Ah-in, Ahn Jae-hong, Ra Mi-ran, and Kim Hee-won.

The movie completed filming in 2021 and was initially set for a 2023 release. However, due to Yoo Ah-in's involvement in a drug scandal, the release was indefinitely postponed.

Following the release of 'The Match,' which was completed before Yoo Ah-in's scandal broke, 'Hi.5' is also set to hit theaters, allowing all of Yoo Ah-in's projects to finally see the light of day.

It's been four years since 'Hi.5' wrapped up filming. Delaying the release any further could risk it being labeled as a 'shelved movie,' significantly diminishing its marketability. Fortunately, unlike 'The Match,' 'Hi.5' is a multi-cast film, meaning the focus is not solely on Yoo Ah-in but is spread across several actors.

Meanwhile, in February, the Seoul High Court sentenced Yoo Ah-in to one year in prison, suspended for two years. He was also fined 2 million won, ordered to forfeit approximately 1.54 million won, complete 80 hours of community service, and attend 40 hours of drug treatment lectures. After being sentenced to one year in prison in the first trial last September and being detained for five months, Yoo Ah-in was released. However, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office appealed the second trial's decision, and the case is now awaiting a final judgment from the Supreme Court.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)