Yoo Ah In Being Canceled by Brands Amid Drug Investigation? Here’s What Happened
Amid the investigation into Yoo Ah In's drug issue, brands are keeping a close eye on the ongoing probe after he was accused of using an illegal substance.
The industry was shocked the prolific actor went under investigation for the illegal use of propofol, a kind of sedative used in hospital settings by trained anesthetists. The substance will help the patient feel relaxed or asleep before and during surgery.
Yoo Ah In's Drug Case: From Propofol Probe to Marijuana Use
Previously, on February 8 and 9, the police performed a search and seizure of various doctor's offices and clinics in Seoul's Gangnam and Yongsan districts that are suspected of having illegally administered propofol to Yoo Ah In since early 2021.
Recently, Yoo Ah In's agency, United Artists Agency (UAA), confirmed that the actor is being investigated for habitual propofol use and "is actively cooperating in all investigations."
According to the media outlet, TV Chosun's "News9" reported that a top male actor is currently ongoing probe for the alleged use of narcotics after it was traced that he has been habitually using them since 2021.
As the investigation continues, Yoo Ah In is banned from leaving the country.
Following the probe for propofol use, the "Chicago Typewriter" star tested positive for marijuana.
It comes after the actor underwent a urine test as a part of the investigation. Meanwhile, authorities are still waiting for the hair test to confirm whether or not Yoo Ah In used propofol illegally.
Will Yoo Ah In's Endorsement Get Affected by the Drug Controversy?
As parties wait for the result of Yoo Ah In's drug test, brands seemed to drop the actor as their advertisement model.
According to an outlet, Seoul Finance reported that the pharmaceutical company, Chong Kun Dang Health, has deleted all photos of their endorsements featuring the "Seoul Vibe" star including the Kakao Talk gift-giving channel where its product Imvita
It comes after the news regarding the actor's alleged propofol was publicized and the next day, an advertisement with Yoo Ah In's face was reportedly taken down.
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Meanwhile, a representative from Chong Kun Dang Health explained "The contract period is not disclosed to each other for contractual reasons."
Adding to the list is the ramen brand Ottogi. After the news broke, all of Yoo Ah In's commercial on YouTube was changed to private.
The same goes for the clothing brand Musinsa, a fashion company that tapped the actor as their brand ambassador.
Yoo Ah In's CF for the brand was also changed to private at the height of the controversy.
Besides his ongoing endorsements, Yoo Ah In's upcoming dramas are also predicted to be affected by the issue.
That is because there will be changes regarding the schedule as the investigation continues.
