South Korean actor Yoo Ah In is making his return to the big screen. He will star in the upcoming occult thriller ‘Vampir’ . This marks his first major acting project since his drug use controversy stopped his career in 2023.
The film’s distributor, NEW , confirmed the news on August 18, 2026. Yoo Ah In will play a contract killer in the movie. It is directed by Jang Jae-hyun , who made the hit 2024 horror film ‘Exhuma’ . The movie is currently in production and is set to release in 2028.
‘Vampir’ Marks Yoo Ah In’s First Project Since 2023
‘Vampir’ is a mystery occult thriller. The story follows an unnamed contract killer. He is hired by a clergyman to track down a mysterious pagan group.
Yoo Ah In will play the assassin. His character is described as bold and calm in any situation. However, his outlook changes after he gets involved in the case.
The film has a strong cast. It includes Lee Sung-min , Lee Joon-hyuk , Yoon Kyung-ho , Choi Hyun-wook , and rookie actress Doi. The actors recently held a script reading together. Reports say they showed good chemistry from the start.
Director Jang Jae-hyun is known for occult films like ‘The Priests’ and ‘Svaha: The Sixth Finger’ . ‘Vampir’ will continue his themes of mystery, religion, and the supernatural. The film is set to begin filming in August 2026. It is targeting a theatrical release in 2028.
The Drug Scandal That Stopped His Career
Yoo Ah In’s career came to a halt in 2023. He was accused of habitually using illegal drugs. Investigators said he used propofol, a medical anesthetic, illegally. He allegedly received it at hospitals in Seoul on 181 occasions between 2020 and 2022. He was also accused of using other drugs like marijuana, midazolam, and ketamine.
In February 2025 , the court sentenced him to one year in prison. The sentence was suspended for two years. He was also fined 2 million won (about $1,420). The Supreme Court finalized this sentence about five months later. His probation period runs until July 2027.
An appeals court had earlier reduced his punishment. They stated: “Considering the motive, method, consequences, and post-offence circumstances, the initial sentence was too harsh and unfair”.
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How the Controversy Affected His Work
The drug case had a big impact on Yoo Ah In’s projects. He stepped away from public life after the allegations surfaced. He was removed from Netflix’s ‘Hellbound’ Season 2. Actor Kim Sung-cheol took over his role.
Other films he had already finished were also delayed. ‘The Match’ , a drama about Go players, and the superhero comedy ‘Hi-Five’ were both released in 2025. Their releases had been postponed for years because of the investigation.
Now, ‘Vampir’ gives Yoo Ah In a chance to return to acting. The project is generating attention not just for his comeback, but also because it is director Jang Jae-hyun’s first film since ‘Exhuma’ . ‘Exhuma’ was a major box office success in South Korea.
Yoo Ah In is considered one of the most talented actors of his generation. He gained fame for his roles in ‘Veteran’ (2015), ‘The Throne’ (2015), and ‘Burning’ (2018). This new film marks a significant step in his return to cinema.
Also Read: Yoo Ah In Casting in ‘Vampire’ Rumor Denied by Director and Agency
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