Squid Game Star O Yeong-Su Cleared of Sexual Misconduct Charges
O Yeong-Su, the renowned star of “Squid Game,” has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges by a South Korean court. The 81-year-old actor faced accusations in 2022, alleging that he assaulted a woman on two occasions. The incident involved unwanted physical contact, where he hugged the victim and kissed her cheek.
Charges and Initial Verdict
Initially convicted in 2024, O received an eight-month suspended prison sentence. He announced plans to appeal the decision. This legal battle stemmed from events in 2017, during a theater performance in a rural area, where the alleged assaults occurred.
Overturning the Conviction
On Tuesday, the court overturned O’s conviction. Judges noted that he had participated in sexual violence education programs. They also raised concerns about the reliability of the victim’s memory due to the time elapsed since the events.
- Incidents occurred in 2017.
- The victim filed a complaint in 2021.
- Investigation was reopened at the victim’s request.
Judicial Considerations
The Suwon District Court expressed “doubt” regarding O’s guilt. They stated that when there is uncertainty, the defendant should benefit from that doubt. However, the court acknowledged the possibility of the assault occurring, as O had issued an apology to the victim.
Victim’s Reaction and Advocacy Response
The alleged victim voiced her disappointment with the court’s ruling, asserting that it does not erase her pain or invalidate her experiences. She pledged to continue advocating for the truth through a statement released via the women’s rights group, Womenlink.
Womenlink criticized the court’s decision, expressing outrage over a ruling that they believe protects sexual violence within the theater industry.
O Yeong-Su’s Career Highlights
O Yeong-Su gained international acclaim for his role in “Squid Game,” where he portrayed a character in a deadly competition resembling traditional children’s games. In 2022, he made history as the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a series, cementing his status in the entertainment industry.
It remains uncertain whether the prosecution will seek to appeal the recent ruling. As the situation develops, the implications for both O Yeong-Su and the dialogue surrounding sexual misconduct in the arts continue to unfold.
