Actor
Yoo Ah-In is returning to the public eye after reports came in that he might be joining Galaxy Corporation, the agency of BIGBANG member G-Dragon and SHINee's Taemin. Yoo has a long history of drug-related offences, which has ignited a fierce debate in South Korea over his comeback to the entertainment world. According to JTBC Entertainment News, Yoo Ah In's exclusive contract with his longtime agency United Artist Agency (UAA) has ended and he is reportedly considering moving to Galaxy Corporation. Sources say the two sides are still in talks but there has been no official confirmation.
Yoo Ah-In to join Galaxy Corporation?
Galaxy Corporation boasts a roster of some of the top Korean entertainers, also including Kim Jong-Kook and award-winning actor Song Kang-Ho. There are reports that
Yoo Ah-In and the agency are in negotiations and some outlets have even reported a possible signing fee of around 5 billion won ($3.24 million) as part of a big contract deal.If confirmed, it will be a big move for Yoo Ah-In to come back to the industry after a few years of absence.
Yoo Ah In sparks comeback speculation
The news has drawn attention, as Yoo Ah In has been largely absent from public eye since a drug scandal broke out in 2023. The actor has been investigated and charged with a series of drug offenses, including claims he used the anesthetic propofol on several occasions, bought prescription drugs under a false name, and smoked marijuana while on a trip abroad. The sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court which gave him one year suspended for two years probationYoo Ah-In had stopped all public activities due to the controversy, and his career seemed in jeopardy. But rumours of a possible comeback started to resurface, especially with the speculation that he could make a comeback through
Vampire, an upcoming film directed by Jang Jae-Hyun, who is known for the award-winning
Exhuma.
Online chatter over potential Return
Recent reports from
Galaxy Corporation that the actor may be coming out of retirement have fueled further speculation. The news instantly became a trending topic, with many Korean netizens expressing strong criticism. Some netizens questioned whether it was too soon for the actor to return to entertainment, while some felt he should be concentrating on personal recovery and rehabilitation.Many even criticised the agency's possible decision and comparisons between Yoo Ah-In and other public figures who have been embroiled in similar controversies.Some responses highlighted the already existing roster of Galaxy Corporation, with users debating whether the agency was starting to be associated with artists who'd been involved in public scandals. There was talk of celebrity redemption and second chances, too. Some said people should get their careers back after they've completed their legal consequences.Prior to the scandal, Yoo Ah-In was a popular actor in South Korea, known for projects like Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Veteran, Burning, Chicago Typewriter and Hellbound.