Yoo Ah In Sells Itaewon Home for 6.3 Billion KRW

In a surprising turn of events, South Korean actor Yoo Ah In, whose real name is Uhm Hong Sik, has sold his opulent Itaewon home for a staggering 6.3 billion KRW, equivalent to approximately 4,300,840 USD. The buyer? A humble 7-year-old child from a well-heeled family, according to reports emerging from the Seoul's Yongsan District.

The transaction, which took place entirely in cash without the involvement of loans, has raised eyebrows across the real estate market and social media. Property records indicate that the sale was finalized on November 19, with a sales contract signed just a day prior. The young buyer is believed to be the offspring of a prominent fashion brand CEO couple, as their address matches that listed in the ownership registration.

Interestingly, Yoo Ah In previously showcased this luxurious property on the popular MBC entertainment program 'I Live Alone,' revealing his chic taste in interior design. While real estate experts had pegged the home's market value at around 8 billion KRW (approximately 5,461,145 USD), the actor's selling price suggests a significant markdown.

However, this real estate development comes amid a tumultuous period for Yoo Ah In, who is embroiled in a high-profile drug trial. He stands accused of continuously using propofol—a powerful anesthetic—181 times between September 2020 and March 2022 and allegedly used another individual’s identity to obtain over 1,100 sleeping pills from May 2021 to August 2022. In a shocking revelation, he also faces charges for partaking in marijuana use three times during a trip to the United States earlier this January.

In an initial trial, Yoo Ah In was convicted for marijuana use and abusing propofol but was acquitted of charges related to evidence tampering. The court handed him a sentence of one year in prison, along with a fine of 2 million KRW (about 1,366 USD), compulsory participation in 80 hours of drug rehabilitation, and a forfeiture of 1.54 million KRW (approximately 1,051 USD). In a move that has sparked further media frenzy, he has appealed the verdict, and during the upcoming appeal hearing on December 24, prosecutors are pushing for a more severe sentence of four years in prison.

Stay tuned as this intriguing saga unfolds—the intertwining of luxury real estate and a gripping drug scandal has captured the attention of fans and netizens alike. Will Yoo Ah In's fall from grace continue, or can he redeem himself in the court of public opinion?