It’s been confirmed that Netflix sent a notice to The Match‘s investment company Ace Maker, stating that Yoo Ah In’s alleged drug charge is subject to contract termination. However, both sides share the common understanding that it would be unfair to cancel an entire film that so many people have worked on to the actions of one individual. Thus, it remains to be seen whether the contract termination will actually take place.
Based on real people and a story, The Match portrays the inevitable match of Cho Hun Hyun (Lee Byung Hun) and Lee Chang Ho (Yoo Ah In), whose teacher-protege relationship turned into rivals. Netflix had initially planned to release The Match as its original movie in the first quarter.
However, as the situation surrounding Yoo Ah In’s drug case worsened and the possible boycott of the movie, Netflix has had to take measures. Netflix has the most projects starring Yoo Ah In, including the original series Goodbye Earth and Hellbound 2, which are waiting for release. As a result, the platform decided to minimize Yoo Ah In’s role in Goodbye Earth and replaced him with Kim Sung Chul in Hellbound 2. However, as for The Match, Yoo Ah In is one of the two central characters, meaning that editing the film is impossible.
This notice is not necessarily a demand for contract termination but rather an inquiry into whether Ace Maker is aware of the current situation and what measures they are considering. As Yoo Ah In’s case is still under investigation, both sides have reportedly exchanged opinions that it would be best to wait for the final result to come out.
If Netflix does request contract termination, it could lead to a legal battle between Ace Maker and Netflix and then between Ace Maker and Yoo Ah In, which could have a critical impact on the film, as well as on Netflix’s K-content business. The production team of Yoo Ah In’s another upcoming movie Hi.5 is also closely monitoring the police investigation results and Netflix’s response.
Update
The company behind the upcoming movie The Book of Fish, Ace Maker Movie Works, has denied reports that it received a notice of contract termination from Netflix due to Yoo Ah In’s drug allegations.
According to Ilgan Sports on March 21st, Netflix sent a letter to Ace Maker Movie Works asking if they were aware of the drug allegations and if they understood that it could lead to contract termination.
However, Ace Maker Movie Works responded that the reports were unfounded, and Netflix stated that there were no set rules regarding the matter.
