Actor Yoo Ah-in decided on his next project even before his suspended sentence for drug use was fully over, and this time he signed an exclusive contract with a new agency. Billions, which includes Lee Junyoung, Son Hyunjoo, Jung Sung-il, Jo Bo-ah, and Heo Sung-tae,
On the 21st, Billions said through its official account, "We are deeply aware of concerns about Yoo Ah-in's past incident and his recent return to activities," and "Before signing the contract, we have had many honest conversations with Yoo Ah-in over a long period of time, and we have deeply considered the responsibilities and attitude necessary for him to resume activities as an actor, and the direction he should take going forward. After such careful and thorough processes, Billions decided to join Yoo Ah-in in his new start," it said.
It added, "What Yoo Ah-in considered most important during the contract process with Billions was not better terms or superficial support for a simple return to activities, but a sincere partner who would think together at every moment about the heavy and cautious steps of seeking forgiveness and understanding from the public and building trust step by step. It was a partner that could seriously accompany him through the difficult and long process of standing again as a completely new actor, not as an extension of the past. Billions also sympathizes with this intent and wants to work together from a long-term perspective so that, rather than rushing, the actor can take full responsibility himself and build completely new trust with the public."
Billions also said, "We will carefully manage Yoo Ah-in's overall activities going forward, while creating a stable environment that allows him to continue healthy activities without wavering, and we will spare no support so that Yoo Ah-in can fully concentrate on his duties as an actor," adding, "We will not treat past times lightly or try to rush past them. We understand well that regaining trust requires deep reflection and a sincere attitude above all. Billions will be a responsible partner so that Yoo Ah-in can honestly rebuild his path," acknowledging the critical scrutiny.
Finally, "We take current concerns seriously, and we will humbly listen to criticism from the public and the media and approach necessary communication with a low posture. In addition to reflecting on past mistakes, we will work more cautiously and faithfully so that the actor's fundamental will regarding works and performance can be conveyed sincerely through future time and actions," it added.
Earlier reports said Yoo Ah-in would receive a signing fee of 5 billion won from Galaxy Corporation, which G-Dragon belongs to, and transfer there, but he ultimately joined hands with Billions.
Along with this, Yoo Ah-in recently confirmed the film "Vampir" and will begin filming this month. It is a mystery occult work depicting incidents that occur when an unidentified hired killer, at the request of a clergyman, pursues a mysterious pagan group. It is the new film by director Jang Jae-hyun of the 10 million audience film Exhuma.
Yoo Ah-in was prosecuted after it became known that from September 2020 to March 2022 he habitually used propofol and was illegally prescribed sleeping pills, and that in January 2022 he smoked marijuana in the United States. In the first trial he was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 2 million won and was detained, but on appeal the sentence was reduced to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence and a fine of 2 million won. His sentence was finalized by the Supreme Court in July last year, and the suspended sentence period is known to remain in effect until July next year.
The following is the full official statement from Yoo Ah-in's new agency, Billions
Entertainment company Billions (BILLIONS) signed an exclusive contract with actor Yoo Ah-in on Aug. 21, 2026.
Billions is deeply aware of concerns about Yoo Ah-in's past incident and his recent return to activities. Before signing the contract, we had many honest conversations with Yoo Ah-in over a long period of time, and we deeply considered the responsibilities and attitude necessary for him to resume activities as an actor, and the direction he should take going forward. After such careful and thorough processes, Billions decided to join Yoo Ah-in in his new start.
What Yoo Ah-in considered most important during the contract process with Billions was not better terms or superficial support for a simple return to activities, but a sincere partner who would think together at every moment about the heavy and cautious steps of seeking forgiveness and understanding from the public and building trust step by step. It was a partner that could seriously accompany him through the difficult and long process of standing again as a completely new actor, not as an extension of the past. Billions also sympathizes with this intent and wants to work together from a long-term perspective so that, rather than rushing, the actor can take full responsibility himself and build completely new trust with the public.
Billions will carefully manage Yoo Ah-in's overall activities going forward, create a stable environment that allows him to continue healthy activities without wavering, and spare no support so that Yoo Ah-in can fully concentrate on his duties as an actor.
We will not treat past times lightly or try to rush past them. We understand well that regaining trust requires deep reflection and a sincere attitude above all. Billions will be a responsible partner so that Yoo Ah-in can honestly rebuild his path.
We take current concerns seriously, and we will humbly listen to criticism from the public and the media and approach necessary communication with a low posture. In addition to reflecting on past mistakes, we will work more cautiously and faithfully so that the actor's fundamental will regarding works and performance can be conveyed sincerely through future time and actions.
Accordingly, Billions respectfully announces Yoo Ah-in's new start. Please watch his future activities. [Photo] OSEN DB, SNS, NEW [OSEN]