South Korean actor Yoo Ah In is once again the subject of heated online discussion after being reportedly spotted at Reborn Bar, an LGBT nightclub located in the FOUND158 business district of Shanghai.
According to eyewitnesses and circulating photos, Yoo Ah In was seen closely interacting with several men—described as “bears” (a common term for big, burly men in gay culture)—with onlookers claiming he was kissing, hugging, and physically affectionate throughout the night. One netizen wrote:
“I ran into Yoo Ah In. He wore his hat low. But he actually likes bears. I saw him kiss various bears the whole time.”
Photos of the actor inside the club have been shared widely by online communities and media, showing Yoo Ah In casually mingling and appearing at ease. The Reborn Bar, which describes itself as an LGBT establishment, gained more attention following the viral post.
Reactions from netizens have been mixed, with some expressing support for his freedom to live openly, while others referenced his past drug-related controversies and were critical of his continued public presence. Comments on platforms like Instiz included:
“Well, everything’s already been exposed anyway, so he’s just living freely now…”
“Yeah, just live like that. Just don’t say anything about acting again.”
“So he really was gay… I thought it was just a rumor.”
The viral images have also ignited speculation about a potential breakup between Yoo Ah In and his rumored boyfriend, photographer Choi Ha Neul. While neither has publicly confirmed or denied the status of their relationship, netizens are now questioning whether the couple has quietly gone their separate ways.
Yoo Ah In’s appearance in Shanghai marks one of his rare public outings since being released from court custody. The actor has been embroiled in a high-profile drug scandal that dominated headlines for nearly two years.
In October 2023, Yoo Ah In was indicted for allegedly using propofol 181 times between September 2020 and March 2022 at various hospitals in Seoul. He also reportedly obtained 1,100 sleeping pills illegally using another person’s identity across 44 occasions between May 2021 and August 2022.
In January 2023, the actor was accused of smoking marijuana with Choi Ha Neul in Los Angeles, as well as coercing another Korean YouTuber into drug use. Yoo Ah In initially received a one-year prison sentence, but during his appeal trial in February, the court reduced the sentence to probation one year of imprisonment suspended with a two-year probationary period. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of community service and 40 hours of rehabilitation education.
Choi Ha Neul, listed as a co-defendant in the drug case, was sentenced in May 2023 to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and required to undergo 40 hours of rehabilitation education.
Sources: K14
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