As the anticipation builds for the premiere of the K-Movie 'The Match,' director Kim Hyung Joo has found himself at the center of controversy following comments about lead actor Yoo Ah In during a recent press screening and conference.

Yoo Ah In, who was embroiled in a significant drug scandal involving charges of habitual use of propofol and illegal acquisition of sleeping pills, was released from prison in February 2025 after a five-month sentence. Initially, he faced a one-year sentence and a hefty fine of 2 million KRW (around $1,370 USD). His legal troubles had previously delayed the release of 'The Match,' which had completed filming back in 2021.

At the press event, director Kim couldn't hide his disappointment, expressing frustration over Yoo Ah In’s actions that jeopardized the film's success. He initially felt overjoyed to work with such esteemed actors like Lee Byung Hun and Yoo Ah In, but now found their collaboration overshadowed by the lead actor's scandal.

"Before he is an actor, he is a member of society," Kim reflected. He acknowledged that Yoo Ah In had faced consequences for his actions and suggested that there was little left unsaid on his part regarding the situation.

Despite the controversy, the movie cannot be edited to remove Yoo Ah In's scenes since he plays a pivotal role, though his absence from promotional materials, like the trailer, raises questions about public reception. The director urged the audience to watch the film with an open mind, stating, "The choice and judgment are up to the audience. I just hope they see it for what it is."

Public reaction to Kim's comments has been mixed. While some expressed eagerness to see the movie, praising Lee Byung Hun’s performance teased in the trailer, others condemned the decision to move forward with the premiere, fearing it could aid Yoo Ah In's return to the entertainment scene despite his past issues.

Critics of Kim's comments have highlighted the broader implications of screening the film. One viewer suggested, "If we apply the logic that one person's misdeeds shouldn't affect an entire production, then no cinematic project is safe from release, regardless of controversies."

Meanwhile, discussions on social media have ranged from sympathy for the director to calls for accountability regarding Yoo Ah In's scandal. Some have voiced that the film should have been canceled, insisting, "Yoo Ah In should have compensated for the movie's losses."

The tension surrounding the film's release raises questions about the accountability of public figures and the ethical considerations of viewers. As fans prepare for the premiere of 'The Match' on March 26, 2025, they must navigate their feelings about the film's content while grappling with the fallout from its lead actor's actions. Will audiences embrace this film, or will Yoo Ah In's past controversies overshadow what could have been a celebrated return to the cinema? The answer lies just around the corner.