The South Korean film industry was recently set ablaze with speculation following reports that embattled actor Yoo Ah In would be making his highly anticipated return to the big screen.
The rumors suggested that he had been cast in the upcoming project of acclaimed director Jang Jae Hyun, the visionary behind the massive 2024 hit Exhuma.
However, in a series of swift and direct clarifications on December 17, 2025, both the director and the actor’s agency have moved to dismiss these claims as unfounded, providing a clearer picture of the project’s current status and Yoo Ah In’s professional future.
Clarifying the Casting Rumors
The speculation began after an initial report by Sports Chosun claimed that Yoo Ah In was set to lead director Jang Jae Hyun’s new film, tentatively titled Vampire.
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The report suggested that filming was scheduled to begin in the latter half of 2026.
Given the director’s track record with occult and supernatural thrillers like The Priests and Svaha: The Sixth Finger, the news of a vampire-themed expansion to his cinematic universe—potentially starring a powerhouse like Yoo Ah In—garnered immediate and intense public interest.
However, Director Jang Jae Hyun personally addressed the media to set the record straight. While he confirmed that he is indeed developing a new project with the working title Vampire, he explicitly stated that the casting rumors are “completely untrue.”
He explained that while he recently contacted Yoo Ah In to check in on his well-being and briefly touched upon future schedules, this casual conversation was misinterpreted and exaggerated by third parties.
The director emphasized that he has never made an official casting offer to the actor for this particular film.
The Current State of “Vampire”
Director Jang further clarified that the project is in its most nascent stages of development. As of now, the script for Vampire has not even reached a first-draft stage; currently, only a general synopsis exists.
Furthermore, a production company has not yet been finalized, and discussions are ongoing.
Because the creative process is still so early, the director noted that many aspects of the film—including the cast, story, and timeline—could change.
Jang Jae Hyun indicated that he is looking at a production schedule that might not even commence until 2027, making any talk of current casting premature.
Also Read: ‘Exhuma’ Makes History: Becomes 1st Korean Occult Horror Film To Exceed 7 Million Moviegoers
Yoo Ah In’s Hiatus and Legal Context
The casting rumors were particularly sensitive given Yoo Ah In’s current standing in the industry.
The actor has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2022 following a high-profile legal battle involving the violation of the Narcotics Control Act.
His legal proceedings concluded with a finalized sentence of one year in prison, suspended for two years.
According to Director Jang, during their recent talk, Yoo Ah In expressed a desire to continue his period of reflection and intends to spend at least another year quietly without any scheduled professional activities.
This sentiment was echoed by Yoo Ah In’s agency, UAA, which briefly stated that “nothing has been decided” regarding his next project.
For now, it appears the actor is focusing on his personal life and recovery rather than an immediate return to acting.
Fans of the director’s occult universe will have to wait longer for concrete news on who will eventually lead his next supernatural venture.
