Yoo Ah-in Reportedly Liquidating Assets Amid Detention in Jail

Yoo Ah-in Sells Itaewon Home Amid Legal Troubles, Raising Questions

Actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Uhm Hong-sik), who was sentenced to one year in prison for habitual drug use and is currently under detention, has reportedly sold his Itaewon home, as featured on MBC's I Live Alone. According to a recent report by BizHankook, the property was sold in a rush.

In 2016, Yoo purchased the three-story house (with one basement level) in Itaewon for 5.8 billion KRW, under the name of his personal agency, "U Company LLC." The house, which spans 337㎡ in land area and 418㎡ in total floor space, gained significant attention after being showcased on the MBC reality show in 2020. Shortly after the broadcast, Yoo relocated to Hannam-dong and put the house on the market for 8 billion KRW.

Sold Below Asking Price Amid Financial Pressures

According to BizHankook, the house was sold on November 20 for 6.3 billion KRW, 1.7 billion KRW below the initial asking price. Observers speculate that the sale was made to secure funds for legal expenses, including attorney fees and possible penalties. However, the new owner's identity remains unknown, as the property transfer registration has yet to be filed with the court.

Legal and Structural Issues Surrounding the Property

It was also revealed that the property was sold as a "violated structure." A 2017 inspection by the Yongsan District Office found an unauthorized expansion of 10.8㎡ on the ground floor, caused by the installation of windows. Although a restoration order was issued, the property has not yet been restored, leaving the new owner responsible for fines or corrective measures.

Legal Battle Continues for Yoo Ah-in

Yoo is currently serving a one-year prison sentence after being convicted of habitual drug use. He was accused of using medical propofol 181 times between 2020 and 2022 at hospitals in Seoul. Additional charges include obtaining illegal prescriptions for sleeping pills 44 times between May 2021 and August 2022 under another person’s name, and smoking marijuana three times in the U.S. this January.

While the first trial found him guilty of habitual medical drug use and illegal acquisition of sleeping pills, he was acquitted of marijuana use and evidence tampering charges. Yoo has appealed the verdict, and the appellate trial is set for December 24, where the prosecution’s final arguments and the defendant's testimony will take place. The final ruling is expected early next year.

This high-profile case continues to attract attention, shedding light on the legal and personal challenges faced by one of Korea's most recognized actors.