Actor Yoo Ah-in is officially making his return to the big screen with ‘Vampire,’ the upcoming occult thriller from director Jang Jae-hyun, known for The Priests, Svaha: The Sixth Finger, and Exhuma.
Yoo Ah-in’s casting has attracted particular attention after months of speculation. In December last year, director Jang Jae-hyun denied reports that Yoo Ah-in had been confirmed for the project, saying that nothing had yet been decided. Distributor NEW likewise stated that his casting had not been finalized at the time.
The actor has now officially joined the film, completing a major cast that also includes Lee Sung-min, Lee Joon-hyuk, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Choi Hyun-wook.
The project marks an important step in Yoo Ah-in’s career as it will be his first newly produced film since his legal troubles. He was indicted on charges including habitual drug use and, in July last year, the Supreme Court finalized a sentence of one year in prison suspended for two years, along with a fine of 2 million won.
His previously completed films The Match and High Five were released last year, but both had actually finished filming back in 2021, before the controversy.
‘Vampire’ is therefore drawing attention as Yoo Ah-in returns to an active production set for a new project. The film will be directed by Jang Jae-hyun, whose previous works include The Priests, Svaha: The Sixth Finger, and Exhuma. Following the massive success of Exhuma, the director is once again returning to the occult genre for his next feature.
‘Vampire’ is scheduled to begin filming in August 2026 and is currently planned for a theatrical release in 2028. With Yoo Ah-in making his official return alongside a strong ensemble cast and one of Korea’s most prominent occult filmmakers, the project is already attracting considerable attention.
Sources: Daum | 스포츠경향