Veteran actor O Yeong-Su, known for his role as Oh Il-nam in the global sensation “Squid Game,” has been found guilty of sexual misconduct. The 79-year-old actor faced charges related to assaulting a woman, and the court’s verdict has sent ripples through the entertainment industry.
‘Squid Game’ actor O Yeong-su has been found guilty of sexual assault.
He has been sentenced to 8 months in prison, 2 years of suspension and 40 hours of sexual violence education. PIC.TWITTER.COM/SZ3V6OUYVC
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) MARCH 15, 2024
The Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court gave O Yeong-Su an eight-month suspended prison sentence. The charges stem from incidents five years ago when the actor was staying in a rural area for a theater performance in 2017. According to reports, he sexually assaulted a woman twice during that time. The allegations against him include hugging a woman and forcibly kissing her on the cheek, actions that the victim claims were against her will.
In March 2024, O was sentenced to up to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, by the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court. As part of his sentence, O has also been ordered to attend 40 hours of sexual violence education. Despite the verdict, he intends to appeal within the next seven days.
“Squid Game” catapulted O Yeong-Su to international fame. The dystopian drama has deadly versions of children’s games. It became a massive hit on Netflix. It drew over 100 million viewers worldwide within weeks of its 2021 release. O Yeong-Su’s portrayal of the cunning and mysterious Oh Il-nam earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, making him the first South Korean actor to achieve this prestigious honor.
However, the sexual assault accusations have tarnished his reputation. The controversy led to his removal from an upcoming film project in South Korea. Womenlink, a prominent feminist organization, emphasized that sexual violence in the theater should not be dismissed as an old custom but recognized for what it truly is. They called on O Yeong-Su to acknowledge his mistake, apologize to the victim, and learn from this experience.
This case is a stark reminder that fame and talent do not exempt anyone from accountability. Fans grapple with the fall of a beloved character. Society must still address sexual violence and ensure justice prevails. O Yeong-Su’s conviction shows the need to respect boundaries. We must treat all people with dignity and consent.
Despite the conviction, O Yeong-Su intends to appeal the verdict. The actor maintains his innocence and plans to fight the charges in the higher court. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for his career and reputation in the industry.
This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing issues with sexual misconduct in entertainment. It shows the need for continued vigilance and action to address them. It also underscores the importance of holding high-profile individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or achievements.
