Korean actor, Yoo Ah-in, is currently in the middle of a police drug investigation after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reported that the actor had been using a sleep-inducing drug called propofol. As a result of this scandal, the actor was dropped out of his role in the hit Netflix show, Hellbound.
Here's what we know about this report:
Yoo Ah-in Drug Use Scandal: What Is the Actor Taking?
Back in February, Seoul Metropolitan Police conducted a search on Yoo Ah-in, Uhm Hong-sik in real-life. They collected his hair and urine samples when he arrived from the US at the Incheon International Airport. The samples were then sent to the National Forensic Service for testing after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reported that the actor was using propofol for non-medical purposes. The agency revealed that Ah-in had been a habitual user since 2021.
Unfortunately, the samples collected from the actor not only revealed that he was positive from propofol but three other drugs: marijuana, ketamine, and cocaine. The actor has been summoned as a suspect for using illicit drugs next week.
RELATED: Yoo Ah In's Drug Controversy: Actor Officially Summoned on Drug Charges
South Korea enforces strict laws against the consumption of illegal drugs. In fact, they prohibit citizens from smoking marijuana, even when they are in a country where it has been legalized.
Following this discovery, Ah-in was dropped from his role in Hellbound Seaosn 2, which is set to start filming this summer. Ah-in's other projects, The Match, Goodbye Earth, and Highfive are currently in limbo. The film studios responsible for these projects said they will wait until the police investigation has been completed.
Hellbound Season 2 Announces New Cast Members
In light of this decision, Netflix has replaced Ah-in with Kim Sung-cheol. Ah-in plays the role of Jung Jin-su, a cult leader in Hellbound, making him an important villain in the show.
In addition to Sung-cheol replacing Ah-in in the series, Netflix announced that they have cast new actors for the second season. These actors include Yang Dong-geun and Moon Geun-young. Geun-young is said to make a special appearance as an arrowhead leader. Meanwhile, Dong-geun's role in the show has not yet been revealed.
Ah-in's replacement in the show is the only major change happening in Hellbound Season 2. The stars from the first season will be returning to reprise their roles, including the following:
- Kim Hyun Joo
- Kim Shin Rok
- Lee Dong Hee
- Yang Ik Joon
When Is Hellbound Season 2 Coming Out?
Since Hellbound Season 2 will start filming in June, a release date has not yet been announced.
Here's a look back at Ah-In's role in Hellbound:
Hellbound Season 2 will start filming in June.