A renowned actor known for his role in the popular series ‘Squid Game,’ O Yeong-su, has been found guilty of sexual misconduct by a South Korean court. The 79-year-old actor has been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
The court’s decision came after O Yeong-su was charged with assaulting an actress in 2017. Although he expressed remorse, stating, “I am sorry,” upon entering his first court hearing in February 2023, he continued to deny the indecent assault charge.
Prosecutors brought charges against O Yeong-su in 2022 following a complaint filed by the woman who accused him of inappropriate touching. The judge, Jeong Yeon-ju, remarked that the victim’s accounts were consistent and credible, indicating they were based on actual experiences.
Despite the verdict, O Yeong-su intends to appeal the decision. He is renowned for his contributions to South Korea’s theater scene and gained international recognition for his role as Oh Il-nam in ‘Squid Game,’ for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Following the sentencing, feminist organization Womenlink emphasized the importance of acknowledging sexual violence in the entertainment industry. They urged the accused to take responsibility for his actions, apologize to the victim, and refrain from attempting to downplay the seriousness of the assault.
