Yoo Ah In

Biography

Yoo Ah-in (born Uhm Hong-sik on October 6, 1986) is a prominent South Korean actor, creative director, and gallerist. He is celebrated for his compelling and often transformative performances across various genres in both film and television, distinguishing him as a leading figure of his generation in the Korean entertainment industry.

Early Life and Discovery:

Born in Nam District, Daegu, South Korea, Yoo Ah-in is the youngest of three children. He initially pursued fine arts at Gyeongbuk Arts High School. It was during his first year of high school that he was discovered by a casting agent on the street. He moved to Seoul independently to pursue acting, eventually dropping out of Seoul Arts High School to focus on his burgeoning career. Before his acting debut, he was also scouted as a K-pop idol and underwent vocal training.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough:

Yoo Ah-in made his debut in a TV commercial in 2003, adopting the stage name Yoo Ah-in. He then appeared in the teen series Sharp (2004–2005), which gained him popularity among teenagers.

His career truly began to soar with critically acclaimed roles in films such as the coming-of-age drama Punch (2011) and the melodrama Secret Affair (2014). He solidified his status as a major star with the action blockbuster Veteran (2015) and the historical drama The Throne (2015), both of which garnered him significant recognition and awards.

Notable Roles and Versatility:

Yoo Ah-in has built a diverse and impactful filmography, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters. His key roles include:

Film:

• Punch (2011)
• Veteran (2015)
• The Throne (2015)
• Burning (2018), which earned him international acclaim and made him the first Asian actor to be included in The New York Times' list of best actors.
• #Alive (2020)
• Voice of Silence (2020)
• Seoul Vibe (2022)
• The Match (2025)
• Hi-Five (2025)

Television Series:

• Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010), which propelled him to widespread fame.
• Secret Affair (2014)
• Six Flying Dragons (2015–2016)
• Chicago Typewriter (2017)
• Hellbound (2021)
• Goodbye Earth (2024)

Beyond acting, Yoo Ah-in is also a creative director and gallerist, leading the contemporary art group and gallery, Studio Concrete. He has also contributed as a writer, publishing poems and essays, and serving as editor-in-chief for Tom Paper.

Awards and Recognition:

Throughout his career, Yoo Ah-in has received numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Best Actor awards from prominent ceremonies such as the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards. His acting has been widely praised by both critics and audiences for its depth and emotional resonance.

Recent Developments:

Yoo Ah-in has recently been involved in legal issues regarding allegations of drug abuse, which led to an indictment and a suspended sentence in a first trial. The case is currently awaiting a Supreme Court decision. Despite these challenges, his recent films like The Match have seen success, and his upcoming projects are still highly anticipated.