‘Squid Game’ Star O Yeong-su Acquitted of Sexual Misconduct
An appellate court in South Korea has recently made a decision to overturn the sexual misconduct conviction of O Yeong-su, an 81-year-old actor known for his role in the popular Netflix series “Squid Game.” The Suwon District Court acquitted O, reversing a previous ruling that found him guilty of sexually harassing a woman during a 2017 regional theater tour. The initial accusation against O involved hugging and kissing the woman on the cheek without her consent.
During the appellate proceedings, the court acknowledged that there were suspicions surrounding the case. The woman sought counseling for sexual violence six months after the alleged incident, and O had apologized to her at her request. However, the court expressed concerns about the potential distortion of the victim’s memory over time and emphasized the importance of protecting the defendant’s interests in cases where doubts persist.
The original ruling had sentenced O to an eight-month prison term, suspended for two years, while prosecutors had sought a one-year prison sentence in both the initial and appellate trials. The alleged victim expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, vowing to continue speaking the truth despite the acquittal. Women’s rights organization Womenlink also criticized the ruling, condemning the concealment of sexual violence in the theater world.
O gained international recognition for his role in “Squid Game,” winning a Golden Globe for best performance by an actor in a supporting role on TV in 2022. The Netflix series became a global phenomenon and remains one of the platform’s most-watched programs. However, the actor’s legal troubles have overshadowed his career since his appearance in the survival thriller series.
The court’s decision to overturn O’s conviction has sparked controversy and raised questions about the handling of sexual misconduct cases in the entertainment industry. Despite the acquittal, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing sexual harassment and violence in all sectors of society.
