The movie 'Match,' which faced delays due to the controversies surrounding Yoo Ah-in, is finally set for a theatrical release.

According to industry sources on the 20th, the film 'Match' starring Yoo Ah-in has confirmed its release for this spring, with a target date in March. The movie is now in full preparation for its debut.

'Match' is based on a true story, recounting the lives of Korean baduk legends Cho Hoon-hyun and Lee Chang-ho, who were not only master and student but also rivals. Lee Byung-hun stars as Cho Hoon-hyun, while Yoo Ah-in takes on the role of Lee Chang-ho. Directed and scripted by Kim Hyung-joo of 'Sheriff,' the film was produced by Moonlight Pictures.

The distribution rights for 'Match' have been transferred to Bypoem Studio. Originally backed by Acemaker Movie Works, the film completed production in 2021 after starting in 2020. Initially planned for theatrical release, Netflix later showed interest, shifting plans to an OTT release. Netflix even announced in December 2022 that it would distribute the film under the title 'The Match.'

However, the release was stalled when Yoo Ah-in faced accusations of drug use in February 2023. Netflix put the project on hold, and rumors of a return to theatrical release surfaced later that year. After extensive discussions, Bypoem Studio stepped in as the distributor. Notably, Bypoem Studio recently gained attention for successfully distributing the controversial film 'Firefighter,' and it plans to release 'Hitman 2' during the Lunar New Year holiday.

If 'Match' is released in March, it will be Yoo Ah-in’s first film to hit theaters after his drug controversy. Another of his films, 'High Five,' remains without a release date, and his name was excluded from the 2024 lineup announced by distributor NEW. In contrast, Yoo Ah-in's role in the Netflix series 'The Fool of the End,' released in April last year, was significantly reduced.

Meanwhile, Yoo Ah-in was indicted in October 2023 for administering propofol 181 times between 2020 and 2022. He was also accused of illegally obtaining sleeping pills under another person’s name and smoking marijuana in the United States with an acquaintance.

In his first trial last September, Yoo Ah-in received a one-year prison sentence. While he was found guilty of habitual use of medical narcotics and obtaining sleeping pills illegally, the court ruled him not guilty of marijuana use and evidence tampering due to insufficient evidence. The appeal trial concluded on the 24th of last month, and the court is set to announce its final verdict on February 18th.

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