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The star among stars, Yoo Ah-in, has ended a long battle, and the law has been lenient with him. However, the wounded hearts of the public are still in trial. The expectations placed on that name, which was always honest and confident with overflowing individuality, and thus symbolized 'youth', have led to a sense of betrayal and disappointment just as great. Yoo Ah-in, what is the sentence for your sincerity?

As the 'drug offender' Yoo Ah-in has received a reduced sentence and regained his freedom, the industry is focused on his next steps. While the prevailing opinion is that he should enter a true period of self-reflection, some speculate on a quick return to activity, citing the long-standing bad practice of networking casting in the entertainment industry and numerous precedents of returning stars with criminal records like Bae Sung-woo, Ha Jung-woo, and T.O.P.

Additionally, with the active content acquisition strategies of OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms, there are observations that his return movements could materialize before the public's attention is drawn. What choice will Yoo Ah-in make?

On the morning of the 3rd, the Supreme Court's 1st Division (Chief Justice Ma Yong-joo) held a ruling on Yoo Ah-in's appeal regarding charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), marijuana smoking, and instigation, stating, "We dismiss all appeals by the prosecution," and confirmed a sentence of 1 year in prison with a 2-year probation.

Previously, the first trial sentenced Yoo Ah-in to 1 year in prison and a fine of 2 million won in September last year and ordered his detention. Both Yoo Ah-in and the prosecution appealed the ruling, and in the second trial, while the judgment of guilt or innocence was the same as in the first trial, he received a reduced sentence of probation and a fine of 2 million won, avoiding imprisonment. The opinion that "the sentence is heavy" from Yoo Ah-in's side was accepted.

Some fans who visited the court every time there was a trial for Yoo Ah-in were also present from early morning on this day. As soon as his probation sentence was confirmed, they covered their mouths and smiled, while others high-fived each other in joy.

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The second trial court stated, "Drug crimes are not easily detected, and the harm they cause to society is significant," and "Considering that he habitually used narcotics 181 times, a corresponding punishment is necessary, and the nature of the crime is poor as he exploited legal loopholes for strictly regulated substances."

However, it also explained the reasons for the reduced sentence, stating, "Yoo Ah-in suffers from sleep disorders and depression, and his crimes were committed due to the pain of not being able to sleep properly. It appears that he has a significant dependency, he has pledged not to reoffend, he has had sufficient time to reflect during his 5 months of detention, and he has no prior convictions for similar offenses, so the original sentence is recognized as excessively heavy."

Having spent 5 months reflecting in the Seoul Detention Center, he has gained 'freedom' along with his 'drug record'. Logically, from now on, as a public figure who has caused social controversy and as a nuisance to his industry colleagues, he should sincerely apologize to the fans who have supported him and to the public who have been negatively affected, and take a serious time for self-reflection.

However, some opinions suggest that since his works 'Winning' and 'High Five' have already been released, he may seek a quick return to activity through a highly strategic approach, more quickly than expected. Among Yoo Ah-in's close associates, there are rumors that they are already exploring various avenues for his swift return and are openly discussing it.

A representative from a distribution company stated, "While there are increasing cases of returns through OTT platforms that are relatively free from public criticism, Yoo Ah-in has received a clear guilty verdict and has committed a crime that is particularly strongly condemned by society, namely drug offenses." He added, "With allegations of sexual misconduct compounding the issue, the damage to his image is significant. A long period of self-reflection is necessary." He continued, "An unreasonable attempt to return could actually be the 'worst move'."

Another senior official from a film production company explained, "It is no longer the case that a film's success is guaranteed solely by star casting. The entire industry has become sensitive to risk management," adding, "Especially OTT platforms are taking a firm stance on criminal records." However, he also noted, "There are already works that were released during the trial period, and there are positive evaluations of Yoo Ah-in's acting skills, so there are voices supporting his return."

An entertainment industry insider remarked, "The close-knit relationships within the film industry can be both a poison and a remedy. Sometimes, external strict standards can operate as internal rationalization logic," emphasizing that "appropriate timing, considering the realities of the industry, is also important." He concluded, "Ultimately, the individual must show genuine remorse and take responsibility," stressing that "a sincere apology is paramount, separate from legal punishment."

The timing and possibility of Yoo Ah-in's return remain uncertain. However, considering this ruling and the public's expectations, the consensus in the industry is that without heavy self-reflection and sincere communication, a re-challenge in the entertainment industry will not be easy.

Yoo Ah-in was indicted for habitual use of medical propofol and other substances under the guise of sleep anesthesia for cosmetic procedures at hospitals in Seoul from September 2020 to March 2022, totaling 181 times. He is also accused of illegally obtaining over 1,100 pills of two types of sleeping pills under another person's name 44 times from May 2021 to August 2023, and of smoking marijuana in the U.S. with others, including Choi Mo, and instigating others to smoke.

P.S Surely... (to the few extreme fans 'High Five') you didn't think the 'winning' was over, did you?♥

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