[E-Daily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] Actor Yoo Ah-in has officially announced his return three years after taking a hiatus due to drug use. This marks his first public appearance in the media in four years.

On the 18th, the production team of the film “Vampire” announced the start of filming, stating, “We have finalized the cast lineup and will begin full-scale filming in August.” Along with this announcement, photos of Yoo Ah-in at a script reading were released, drawing significant attention.
Yoo Ah-in, who has been on trial since 2023 on charges including drug use and was sentenced to probation, is set to reappear in public after three years of self-reflection.
This marks his first public appearance in a creative project—rather than in a courtroom—in four years, since the 2022 film *The Match*. Previously, the drama *The Fool at the End of the World* (2024) and the films *The Match* (2025) and *High Five* (2025) had their release dates postponed due to the controversy surrounding Yoo Ah-in, and he was unable to attend their official events.
“Vampire” is a mystery-occult film depicting the events that unfold when an unidentified hitman, commissioned by a clergyman, pursues a group of mysterious heretics. Director Jang Jae-hyun, who has showcased unparalleled storytelling and solid directing skills in every film—including *Exhumation*, *Sabah*, and *The Priests*—plans to once again expand his unique cinematic universe through *Vampire*.
Rumors of Yoo Ah-in’s casting in “Vampire” have been circulating since last year, but his agency has maintained a cautious stance, stating, “Nothing has been decided yet.” However, after eyewitness accounts spread last July that Director Jang and Yoo Ah-in attended the VIP screening of “Hope” together, his casting in “Vampire” was widely regarded as a foregone conclusion.
In *Vampire*, Yoo Ah-in plays a bounty hunter tracking down a cult. Though he is a bold character who remains unflappable in any situation, the film will depict his gradual transformation as he confronts mysterious beings.

Lee Sung-min plays a clergyman who breaks taboos for the sake of his beliefs. Drawing on his solid acting chops, he delivers a profound portrayal of a character torn between responsibility and guilt, anchoring the drama.
Lee Jun-hyuk showcases a bold transformation as a heretic who yearns for eternal life. He is expected to dominate the screen by bringing this mysterious character to life with a sharp, intense aura.
Rookie actress Do-i has been cast as the girl shrouded in mystery. Having been selected after surviving a fierce audition process, she is expected to radiate fresh energy and leave a lasting impression.
Yoon Kyung-ho takes on the role of a smuggling broker who ends up traveling with the heretic. Yoon Kyung-ho is set to add vibrancy to the film with his signature, realistic acting style.
Finally, Choi Hyun-wook joins the cast as a U.S. Army second lieutenant with a mysterious agenda. He is expected to heighten the film’s tense atmosphere with his nuanced, multi-dimensional performance that captures even the subtlest emotions. The synergy between these actors, each with such intense individuality, is expected to create the explosive ensemble unique to *Vampire*.
“Vampire” is scheduled for theatrical release in 2028.