Yoo Ah In
Info
🙂 Native Name: 유아인 (Yoo Ah-in)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: October 6, 1986
🏠 Birth Place: Nam-gu, Daegu, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Libra
📏 Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
💍 Spouse: Unmarried
👶 Children: None
Biography
Yoo Ah-in, born Uhm Hong-sik on October 6, 1986, in Daegu, South Korea, is a prominent actor known for his versatile roles in both television and film. He began his acting career in the early 2000s, gaining recognition with the historical drama “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” (2010). His performances in “Secret Love Affair” (2014) and “Six Flying Dragons” (2015–2016) further solidified his status as a leading actor in the Korean entertainment industry.
In cinema, Yoo’s portrayal in “The Throne” (2015) earned him critical acclaim, and he continued to impress with roles in “Burning” (2018) and “Voice of Silence” (2020). His performance in “Voice of Silence” garnered him the Best Actor award at the 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards. Yoo’s ability to embody complex characters has made him a respected figure in Korean cinema.
However, Yoo’s career faced challenges due to legal issues. In 2023, he was investigated for the illegal use of propofol, leading to a suspended sentence in 2024. Despite the controversy, he returned to the screen with the film “The Match,” co-starring Lee Byung-hun, which was released in 2025.
Yoo Ah-in’s journey reflects both his artistic achievements and personal struggles. While his legal issues have impacted his public image, his contributions to Korean cinema remain significant. As he continues his career, audiences and critics alike watch with interest to see how he navigates his path forward.
Hobbies
Writing and Journaling – Yoo Ah In is known for expressing his thoughts through reflective writing. He keeps journals and has published essays and social commentary on art and culture.
Art Collecting – As a passionate art enthusiast, Yoo collects contemporary pieces and has collaborated with art institutions in South Korea.
Photography – He enjoys photographing daily life and abstract themes, often capturing spontaneous moments with a raw, artistic edge.
Cooking – He has mentioned that cooking helps him unwind, and he particularly enjoys experimenting with Korean fusion dishes.
Reading Philosophy and History – Yoo Ah In reads widely, especially philosophical and sociopolitical texts, which often inspire his public discourse and personal posts.
Interests
Contemporary Art and Design – Yoo is deeply involved in the visual arts scene and even founded the art studio and cultural platform “Studio Concrete” in 2014.
Fashion and Styling – Known for his daring and unconventional fashion choices, he’s often cited as one of Korea’s most stylish actors.
Social Issues and Activism – He actively voices opinions on democracy, LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and other societal topics, sometimes sparking debate.
Independent Cinema – He supports indie filmmakers and often chooses artistic or provocative roles over commercial safety.
Cultural Commentary – Beyond acting, Yoo sees himself as a commentator on Korean youth culture and identity in the modern world.
Facts
Real Name Is Uhm Hong-sik – He adopted the stage name Yoo Ah In, which means “comfort” or “soft-hearted” in German and Arabic inspiration.
Award-Winning Actor – He won Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards (2020) for Voice of Silence and has been nominated across major Korean award platforms.
Broke from Idol Image – Despite early fame for youthful roles, he rejected commercial idolism to pursue complex, often darker characters.
First Korean to Appear in Vogue’s Global Edition Solo – He became a fashion icon internationally after being featured solo in a major fashion publication.
Studio Concrete Founder – His creative platform serves as an art gallery, café, and collaborative space for young Korean artists.
Secrets
Had a Fear of Fame Early On – In interviews, he admitted he struggled with the spotlight and nearly quit acting due to mental health concerns.
Was Nearly a Musician – Before acting, he considered pursuing a music career and still enjoys composing melodies in private.
Avoids TV Variety Shows – He is rarely seen on Korean variety TV, preferring privacy and artistic mystery over light entertainment exposure.
Has a Tattoo Symbolizing “Now” – He sports a minimalist tattoo meaning “now” to remind himself to live in the present moment.
Refused Typecasting – He deliberately turned down mainstream romantic leads early in his career to avoid being stuck in one mold.
Funny Things
Talks to His Plants – He has joked about talking to his houseplants during interviews, especially when preparing for introspective roles.
Once Wore Pajamas to a Film Wrap Party – To make a point about comfort over appearance, he showed up in silk pajamas to a high-profile wrap celebration.
Extreme Facial Expressions on Camera – Directors say Yoo sometimes over-expresses in rehearsals just to “get it out of his system.”
Lost His Shoes at a Red Carpet – In an award ceremony, his designer shoes came off, and he walked part of the carpet in socks—laughing through the moment.
Awkward Hugger – He’s known for giving oddly stiff or half-committed hugs during fan meetings, which has become an inside joke among fans.
Fears
Losing Artistic Integrity – Yoo has often said his biggest fear is being forced to compromise his creative values for fame or commercialism.
Being Misunderstood – Due to his intellectual and sometimes cryptic way of speaking, he worries about miscommunication with fans or the public.
Public Scandal Impacting Art – His recent legal issues deeply affected him emotionally, not just for reputation but for the distraction from his creative work.
Being Stagnant – He dreads repeating the same kind of character and losing the hunger to explore new psychological terrain.
Failure in Leadership – As a founder of Studio Concrete, he feels pressure to guide younger artists and fears letting them down through controversy or absence.
News
1. Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Drug Use
In September 2024, Yoo Ah-in was sentenced to one year in prison by the Seoul Central District Court for habitual illegal drug use, including 181 instances of propofol administration between 2020 and 2022. He was also fined 2 million won and ordered to forfeit 1.54 million won.
2. Public Apology Following Drug Scandal
On March 28, 2023, Yoo Ah-in issued a public apology via Instagram, expressing regret for disappointing fans and colleagues amid the drug use allegations. He acknowledged his actions and stated his intention to reflect deeply and cooperate with ongoing investigations.
3. Release from Prison After Sentence Suspension
In February 2025, after serving five months, Yoo Ah-in was released from prison following a suspended sentence granted by the Seoul High Court. The court considered factors such as his admission of guilt and lack of prior offenses in its decision.
4. Box Office Success of ‘The Match’
Despite his legal controversies, Yoo Ah-in’s film The Match, co-starring Lee Byung-hun, achieved significant box office success in 2025, surpassing 2 million viewers and ranking among the top Korean films of the year.
5. Upcoming Film ‘Hi.5’ Set for Release
Yoo Ah-in’s next film, Hi.5, is scheduled for release on June 3, 2025. Due to his prior controversies, he will not participate in promotional activities for the film.
TV Drama
Music / OST
Yoo Ah In’s Music Career: An Actor with Artistic Sound, Not a Singer
Although Yoo Ah In is a highly respected and versatile figure in Korean entertainment, he is not a recording artist and has no formal music career. His fame stems from his celebrated work as a film and drama actor, art director, and cultural influencer—not as a singer, musician, or music producer.
🎭 Performance Background, Not Musical
Yoo Ah In (real name: Uhm Hong Sik) made his debut in 2003 through a KBS teen series and quickly transitioned into film and television. While some Korean actors branch into music through OSTs (original soundtracks) or variety show performances, Yoo Ah In has never released an album, single, or OST track. Unlike some of his peers who also pursue idol careers, Yoo has remained fully committed to acting and visual arts.
He is, however, known for his deep, expressive voice, which adds gravitas to his performances, especially in philosophical dramas like Secret Affair (2014) or Hellbound (2021). His vocal tone, while suited to narration or acting, has not been used in a professional musical context.
🎨 Involvement with Art and Creative Direction
Though not musically active, Yoo Ah In’s contributions to culture extend beyond acting. He founded Studio Concrete, a multi-disciplinary creative collective based in Seoul. Through Studio Concrete, he has supported young visual artists, photographers, and sometimes musicians. However, his role remains that of a curator and patron, not a performer.
In interviews, Yoo has expressed admiration for music as an art form and is known to have friendships with musicians. Still, his participation has been limited to attending events, not producing or performing music himself.
🔍 Summary: Voice for Drama, Not for Song
To summarize, Yoo Ah In has no professional music discography, and no known singing performances or OST contributions. He has not participated in music variety shows, nor has he expressed interest in releasing music. His artistic focus lies in acting, creative direction, and social commentary.
That said, his vocal range and performance intensity have sparked interest in how he might perform if he ever explored narration, audio projects, or theatrical musical roles — but for now, he remains firmly an actor and art visionary, not a musician.
Gallery
