Galaxy Corporation reportedly offers Yoo Ah In over 5 billion KRW (about 3.7 million USD) exclusive deal amid IPO push

Galaxy Corporation is reportedly offering actor Yoo Ah In an exclusive contract package worth at least 5 billion KRW (about 3.7 million USD) plus additional incentives, structured through a combination of cash payment and stock options.

According to multiple reports cited by TV Daily, the proposal was made by Galaxy Corporation, which is currently preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). Yoo Ah In is said to be reviewing the offer, while earlier claims suggesting a 1 billion KRW (approximately 740,000 USD) signing bonus have been confirmed as inaccurate.

Industry sources say Galaxy Corporation has been actively pursuing top-tier talent as part of its IPO strategy. The company reportedly views Yoo Ah In as a strong addition, particularly as he prepares for a potential return to acting, including possible participation in director Jang Jae Hyun’s upcoming project 'Vampyr' (working title), following the success of 'Exhuma.'

The company has recently signed or pursued several high-profile entertainers with similarly large-scale deals. Singer Taemin is reportedly joining under a contract worth around 7 billion KRW (approximately 5.2 million USD), including stock options. Actor Ryu Jun Yeol is also expected to sign under a comparable structure. These agreements follow Galaxy Corporation’s widely reported 2023 contract with G-Dragon, valued at approximately 20 billion KRW (about 14.8 million USD), combining roughly 10.1 billion KRW (about 7.5 million USD) in cash and 10 billion KRW (about 7.4 million USD) in stock options.

Most of these contracts are structured around stock option incentives, aligning artists with the company’s long-term valuation goals ahead of its IPO. Industry observers note that building a strong lineup of high-profile talent could significantly strengthen Galaxy Corporation’s position in the market, especially if its key artists remain with the company through the listing process.

The entertainment industry has seen rapidly rising contract values in recent years. Publicly listed Fantagio reportedly offered actor Kim Seon Ho a deal worth 2–3 billion KRW (approximately 1.5–2.2 million USD) plus additional incentives, though Galaxy Corporation’s reported offers are significantly higher.

Yoo Ah In recently parted ways with his long-time agency UAA after 12 years following the expiration of his contract. He is currently without an exclusive agency while considering new opportunities.

He has also faced legal scrutiny over allegations related to propofol use and other drug-related offenses between 2020 and 2022, as well as cannabis use in the United States in 2022. After a prolonged legal process, he received a one-year prison sentence with a two-year suspended sentence and a fine, which was ultimately finalized by the Supreme Court.

Although no agreement has been officially signed, the reported offer highlights Galaxy Corporation’s aggressive expansion strategy as it moves toward its IPO, aiming to secure top-tier entertainers and strengthen its position in the entertainment and intellectual property market.