Actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Uhm Hong-sik), who had been sentenced to prison for drug-related offenses, has been released on probation following an appeals court ruling.

On February 18, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 5 (Presiding Judges Kwon Soon-hyung, Ahn Seung-hoon, Shim Seung-woo) overturned Yoo's original prison sentence and instead sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with a fine of 2 million KRW (approximately $1,500 USD).

Additionally, the court ordered Yoo to complete 80 hours of community service, 40 hours of drug treatment classes, and to pay 1.54 million KRW (approximately $1,150 USD) in restitution.

Drug Scandal and Court Battle

Yoo was initially charged with habitually using Propofol and other substances a total of 181 times between September 2020 and March 2022. He was also accused of illegally obtaining sleeping pills under someone else's name 44 times from May 2021 to August 2022.

During his first trial in September 2023, Yoo was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 200 million KRW ($150,000 USD), leading to his immediate arrest in court. His legal team appealed the decision, and in the latest ruling, the court granted him a suspended sentence-allowing his release.

The judge acknowledged the severity of Yoo's actions, noting that he had used the identities of family and acquaintances to illegally obtain drugs. However, the court cited mitigating factors in its decision to reduce his sentence.

"Considering that the defendant suffered from long-term insomnia and depression, and that his offenses were likely driven by severe sleep deprivation, the court recognizes these as extenuating circumstances," the ruling stated.

The court further noted that Yoo had shown remorse during his detention, had no prior drug-related convictions, and had made substantial progress in overcoming substance dependence, reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses.

"After reviewing all sentencing conditions, we find the original one-year prison term excessive and unjust," the judge added.

Courtroom Apology and Public Reaction

During the hearing, Yoo appeared in a blue prison uniform with a shaved head, a stark contrast to his past public appearances. Upon hearing his probation verdict, he reportedly bowed at a full 90-degree angle, showing deep remorse in front of the court.

His courtroom demeanor quickly became a trending topic online, with divided reactions from the public. While some felt the suspended sentence was too lenient, others expressed sympathy, citing his mental health struggles.

Yoo Ah-in's Return to the Big Screen

Despite the controversy, Yoo is still set to appear in the upcoming film The Match (승부), in which he stars alongside Lee Byung-hun.

The movie follows the story of legendary Go master Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) and his intense rivalry with his protégé. The film, which was delayed due to Yoo's legal issues, will finally be released in theaters on March 26.

Copyright © 2023 Kpop Reporter. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.