South Korea’s entertainment world was shaken when popular actor Yoo Ah-in found himself embroiled in serious legal issues. His habitual drug use allegations have greatly overshadowed his upcoming film, which was initially set for Netflix release but has now shifted to theaters.
The film, titled Victory, tells the inspiring story of legendary Go master Cho Hun-hyun, portrayed by fellow actor Lee Byung-hun. Yoo Ah-in plays the role of his student, Lee Chang-ho, and was expected to be central to the narrative. Unfortunately, as promotional activities ramped up, it became clear just how much his recent troubles affected the film's marketing strategy.
On March 19, 2025, Biopohm Studio released the official trailer for Victory, igniting considerable curiosity among fans and the public. Yet, those anticipating Yoo Ah-in's appearance were largely disappointed. The trailer featured Lee Byung-hun prominently, showcasing his intense portrayal of Cho Hun-hyun, but only snippets of Yoo Ah-in could be seen. Most shockingly, his appearances were limited to mere glimpses of his back or far-off shots.
Why the drastic editing decision? Sources suggest it was calculated to pivot the public's gaze away from Yoo Ah-in amid widespread negativity surrounding his drug allegations. Following initial legal proceedings where he was sentenced to one year of imprisonment, followed by two years of suspended sentence, the film’s producers appear to feel the need to distance the film from his poor public image.
Yoo Ah-in has faced scrutiny since the news broke about his substance abuse. Reports indicated he had undergone illegal procedures under the pretense of cosmetic treatments, which led to him allegedly abusing drugs like propofol. Although he was convicted and briefly imprisoned, his recent appeal overturned parts of the sentence, resulting in his release just one month before the film's scheduled debut.
Despite being grilled by the media, Yoo Ah-in has been omitted from nearly all aspects of the film’s promotional activities. A representative from Biopohm Studio confirmed, "Yoo Ah-in will not participate in any promotional activities for the film 'Victory.'" This absence has fueled public curiosity—how much of his performance would remain intact in such a heavily edited film?
This marketing dynamic of minimizing Yoo Ah-in has resulted not just from corporate caution but also from public pressure. The reactions from potential audiences vary, with some questioning the decision to isolate the star, speculating whether he is entirely edited out from the film. Discussions on social media have expressed frustration, stating things like, "He doesn’t appear even once. How can one of the leads be so absent?" and "Is this film going to be the same without him?"
While the controversy surrounding Yoo Ah-in continues to simmer, it raises compelling questions about how personal life scandals impact professional projects. The film Victory is set to officially hit theaters on March 26, 2025, but will be braced with mixed emotions and unresolved audience inquiries about its leading character’s fate and proper representation.
With the weight of public scrutiny hurling onto Yoo Ah-in and the subsequent decisions taken by the filmmakers seeming to follow suit, Victory finds itself walking on thin ice. Can the gripping story about legendary figures like Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho still resonate with audiences when one of its stars is steeped heavily in controversy? This will be revealed come release day.
While many hope for the film's success, the tension linked to Yoo Ah-in’s past may cast long shadows on this much-anticipated release.”