Charges have been dropped and the case closed against South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in for alleged sexual assault, due to insufficient evidence, local police said on Sept 19.
Seoul Yongsan Police Station decided not to transfer the case to the prosecution. The police had begun an investigation on July 15 after the 38-year-old actor was accused of sexually assaulting a man in his 30s in an officetel flat in the district.
The police had questioned the plaintiff and Yoo, but said they could not find sufficient evidence to back up the allegation.
Drug tests the police conducted on Yoo, whose real name is Uhm Hong-sik, also came back negative during the investigation.
Attorney Bang Jung-hyun, who represents Yoo, said immediately after the accusation was made: “The content of the accusation against Yoo Ah-in is not true.
“Please refrain from unnecessary speculation regarding his private life”.
Police considered statements by both parties and witnesses, as well as CCTV footage from the site, according to local media reports.
Mr Bang also said he had no plans to accuse the plaintiff of making a false charge.
Meanwhile, Yoo has been in custody since Sept 3 after being sentenced to one year in prison and two million won (S$1,940) in fines for repeated use of drugs without a prescription, including propofol, midazolam, ketamine and remimazolam.
One of South Korea’s top actors, Yoo is known for his versatility, having starred in a wide range of roles, from Descendants Of The Sun (2016) to Burning (2018) to Hellbound (2021). - The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
