On August 18, distributor NEW announced the cast of "Vampire", and also revealed images of the script reading session. Yoo Ah In was confirmed to participate in the project, marking the first time the actor has returned to the film set since being involved in a drug use case.
Vampire" is a mysterious, mysterious film directed by Jang Jae Hyun, director of "The Priests", "Svaha: The Sixth Finger" and "Exhuma". The film tells the story of an unidentified killer who accepts an offer from a priest to hunt down a mysterious group of heretics.
In the movie, Yoo Ah In plays the person who performs the task of chasing the heretics. The character is inherently brave, decisive and not easily shaken by danger. However, the search for mysterious forces makes him gradually change when facing unexpected events.
Yoo Ah In's appearance in "Vampire" attracted attention because this is the actor's first new film project after the scandal. Previously, he almost stopped all artistic activities after being investigated in 2023.
Yoo Ah In was previously prosecuted for allegedly using many types of drugs illegally for a long time, including propofol. The incident caused the actor to leave season 2 of the "Hellbound" series and limit his public appearances.
After the trial process, the Korean Supreme Court upheld the sentence of 1 year in prison but granted a suspended sentence of 2 years and a fine of 2 million won for Yoo Ah In. The sentence closed the case but also caused the actor's career to be interrupted for a long time.
Some films starring Yoo Ah In such as "The Match" and "Hi. 5" were still released afterwards. However, these are all works made before the scandal occurred, not new projects made by the actor after the case was brought to light.
In "Vampire", Yoo Ah In plays alongside many notable names on Korean screens. Lee Sung Min plays a clergyman who is willing to break the taboo to protect his beliefs. The character has to struggle between responsibility and guilt before his own choices.
Lee Joon Hyuk plays a member of a group of heretics who desire immortality. Yoon Kyung Ho plays a smuggling broker accompanying this group, while Choi Hyun Wook transforms into a US military lieutenant hiding his own purpose.
New actress Doi plays a mysterious girl. The cast of characters with many opposing lines is expected to create a tense atmosphere for the film.
Vampire" continues to exploit the mysterious film genre that is Jang Jae Hyun's strength. After "The Priests", "Svaha: The Sixth Finger" and especially "Exhuma", the director is known for his combination of spiritual, horror and mystery elements in cinematic works.
The film crew has completed the script reading session and started filming in August 2026. The work is expected to be released in 2028.
Yoo Ah In's return in a large-scale project is noteworthy, but it may also continue to cause controversy because the actor is still serving a suspended sentence. However, legally, the sentence for him has been confirmed by the Korean Supreme Court.
