Korean star Yoo Ah-in denies sexual assault allegations involving 30-year-old man
Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.
Yoo Ah-in shut down allegations that he sexually assaulted a man in his 30s.
The Korea Times reported that the Seoul Yongsan Police Station received a complaint on Thursday, July 25 from a man who alleged that Yoo sexually assaulted him at an apartment in Yongsan District last July 14.
Detailing the report, the 30-year-old, referred to as “A,” claimed that the incident happened while he was asleep and said there were other men present at the time. It allegedly took place at an apartment, which is neither A’s nor Yoo’s residence.
Citing Korean laws, the media outlet reported that same-sex sexual assault is classified as quasi-rape.
The complainant was also said to have tested negative for drug use.
“We have not yet contacted the accused [Yoo Ah In] about the case,” authorities said, according to a report by report by K-entertainment site Soompi. “We plan to call him in for questioning soon.”
Yoo, through his attorney Park Jung Hyun, denied the accusations later in the day.
“The claims in the criminal complaint involving Yoo Ah In are not true,” his legal counsel said. “Additionally, we ask that you refrain from unnecessary speculation regarding his personal life.”
The Korean actor was brought to trial for illegal drug use in early 2023. Investigation showed he tested positive for propofol, marijuana, cocaine, and ketamine.
In the hearing last July 24, prosecutors requested for his four-year prison sentence as well as a fine of 2 million won ($1,600 or around P80,000 to P90,000).
Yoo Ah-in, whose real name is Uhm Hong-sik, made his acting debut in the TV series Sharp back in 2004. He is best known for starring in movies Seoul Vibe (2022), #Alive (2020), Default (2018), and Veteran (2015), as well as K-dramas Hellbound (2021) and Chicago Typewriter (2017), among others. He has received numerous awards, including Actor of the Year at the Asia Artist Awards in 2021, Best Actor at the Asian Film Awards and Baek Sang Art Awards in the same year, and Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Awards in 2020.