Director Jang Jae-hyun Strongly Denies Yoo Ah-in's Casting Rumors for New Film 'Vampire'

Director Jang Jae-hyun, who helmed the hit film 'Exhuma', has strongly refuted rumors that actor Yoo Ah-in will be joining his upcoming project.

Earlier reports suggested that Yoo Ah-in was cast as the male lead in 'Vampire' (tentative title), with filming set to begin in the latter half of next year. If true, this would have marked Yoo Ah-in's first acting role since his involvement in a drug controversy in 2022.

However, Yoo Ah-in's agency, UAA, stated that "nothing has been decided yet," taking a cautious stance. Director Jang Jae-hyun also clarified in a phone call with OSEN, "It is absolutely not true that actor Yoo Ah-in will be appearing."

"The script itself hasn't even been completed yet, nor has it been released. We haven't officially offered him a role," Director Jang explained. "It's true I recently asked about his well-being and discussed potential future schedules, but it seems the story has been distorted. Actor Yoo Ah-in also mentioned wanting to spend about a year quietly without any schedules."

Regarding the new film 'Vampire', he added, "The script is not finished and hasn't been released. Only a synopsis is out, and even the production company hasn't been decided. We're still in discussions. Things could change, so I'm being careful. Personally, I'm looking at a production period extending into the year after next."

Meanwhile, 'Vampire' is anticipated to be Director Jang's next venture following his successful occult series: 'The Priests', 'Svaha: The Sixth Finger', and 'Exhuma'. The film is reportedly inspired by Dracula and set against the backdrop of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Yoo Ah-in was convicted of violating drug laws, including the illegal prescription of propofol and sleeping pills from September 2020 to March 2022, and smoking marijuana in the US in January 2022. After a two-year trial, he was initially sentenced to prison but ultimately received a sentence of one year in prison, suspended for two years, and a fine of 2 million won.

Korean netizens reacted with comments like, "The director personally denied it, so let's not spread rumors anymore," and "Since the script isn't out yet, let's wait and see." Some also expressed, "I think it's too early for Yoo Ah-in's comeback."