Yoo Ah-in is one of South Korea’s most compelling and versatile actors, known for his intense performances, magnetic screen presence, and unapologetic individuality. Born Uhm Hong-sik, he has gained international acclaim through his work in both commercial hits and art-house cinema. From emotionally charged dramas like Secret Affair to political thrillers like The Throne and boundary-pushing roles in Burning (2018), his ability to inhabit complex characters has made him a standout star in Korean entertainment. Yoo is not only an actor but also an artist, fashion influencer, and cultural critic, celebrated for pushing boundaries in both his work and personal expression.
His fearless artistic choices have earned him major accolades, including Best Actor awards from the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and Korean Association of Film Critics. But beyond the spotlight, Yoo Ah-in is known for his enigmatic persona, deep love for art, and candid voice in social issues, often making headlines for his outspoken views. However, his recent career has also been clouded by controversy, adding new layers of public intrigue to his complex image.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name |
Uhm Hong-sik |
| Other/Nickname |
Yoo Ah-in |
| Profession/Occupation |
Actor, Creative Director, Art Patron |
| Birthplace |
Daegu, South Korea |
| Nationality |
South Korean |
| Age |
38 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth |
October 6, 1986 |
| Hometown |
Daegu, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion |
N/A (formerly Roman Catholic, not publicly affiliated now) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign |
Libra |
| Current career status |
Active (with legal issues ongoing) |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) |
181 cm (5’11”) |
| Weight (Kilograms) |
70 kg (approx.) |
| Body Measurements |
Not publicly known |
| Hair Color |
Black (often dyed) |
| Eye’s Color |
Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Father’s name |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Mother’s name |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Brother’s name |
Two older siblings (names not disclosed) |
| Sister’s name |
N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend |
N/A |
| Dating |
No confirmed public relationships |
| Marital Status |
Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband |
N/A |
| Son |
N/A |
| Daughter |
N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School |
Gyeongbuk Arts High School (dropped out) |
| College/ University |
Dankook University (Theater and Film) |
| Educational Qualification |
Degree in Theater and Film (incomplete due to career pursuits) |
Controversies
Yoo Ah-in has faced several controversies, the most recent and serious being his alleged illegal use of propofol and other controlled substances. In 2023, he was investigated by South Korean authorities and later indicted. His career took a temporary halt with projects such as The Match being postponed. This scandal shocked fans and industry insiders due to Yoo’s previously clean image and commitment to artistry.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food |
Korean BBQ, ramen, and green tea |
| Favorite Movie |
Fight Club |
| Favorite Actor |
Daniel Day-Lewis |
| Favorite Actress |
Isabelle Huppert |
| Favorite Color |
Black |
| Favorite Designer |
Raf Simons |
| Favorite Destination |
Paris, France |
| Favorite Cafe |
Seoul-based independent coffee shops |
| Favorite daily wear brand |
Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens |
| Favorite Book |
The Stranger by Albert Camus |
| Favorite Athlete |
N/A |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary |
Varies per project (reportedly over $100,000 per drama episode at peak) |
| Net Worth |
Estimated $8–10 million USD (as of 2024) |
Contact Information
| Official Website |
N/A |
| E-Mail Address |
Not publicly available |
| Phone Number |
Not publicly available |
| House Address |
Seoul, South Korea (exact location not disclosed) |
Social Media
| Wikipedia |
Yoo Ah-in |
| Twitter |
N/A |
| Facebook |
N/A |
| Instagram |
@hongsick |
Personal Quote:
“I want to be someone who continues to question and confront the world, not just someone who fits into it.”
Early Life and Career:
Born in Daegu, South Korea, Yoo Ah-in grew up in a modest household and showed an early interest in art and performance. At just 17, he was scouted by a casting agent and moved to Seoul alone to pursue a career in entertainment. He made his acting debut in the teen drama Sharp in 2003 and quickly garnered attention for his good looks and charisma.
Though he started with roles in youth-centric dramas, Yoo broke away from the mold by choosing diverse, often risky roles in films such as Boys of Tomorrow and Antique. His breakthrough came in the form of the TV drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010), which earned him massive popularity across Asia.
In the 2010s, he solidified his status as a powerhouse actor with his work in The Throne (2015), Veteran (2015), and Lee Chang-dong’s Burning (2018), which was South Korea’s official submission for the Oscars and gained global acclaim.
Current life/Events:
Despite facing legal controversies, Yoo Ah-in remains one of Korea’s most influential cultural figures. He starred in Hellbound (2021), a Netflix hit that introduced him to a wider global audience. His postponed projects like The Match and Goodbye Earth are still anticipated by fans and critics alike. He continues to be active in the art scene through his studio “Studio Concrete,” promoting emerging artists and social discussions.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Yoo Ah-in
- His stage name “Ah-in” is derived from the German word “ein,” meaning “one” or “unique.”
- He owns an art collective called “Studio Concrete,” which merges art, fashion, and social commentary.
- Yoo is one of the few Korean male celebrities to openly challenge traditional masculinity norms.
- He’s a passionate art collector and once curated an exhibition himself.
- Yoo is known for writing thoughtful essays and social media posts critiquing politics, celebrity culture, and society.
- He has collaborated with luxury brands like Cartier and Balenciaga.
- Despite being a fashion icon, he often shops at thrift stores.
- He’s never publicly confirmed a relationship, maintaining an air of mystery around his dating life.
- Yoo’s role in Burning earned him praise from international critics, including in The New York Times.
- He once played the youngest king in Korean history (Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love) and received high praise for his regal yet vulnerable performance.
