O Yeong-Su Cleared of Sexual Misconduct Charges: South Korean Court Overturns Verdict
O Yeong-Su, known for his role in Squid Game, has been cleared of sexual misconduct charges by a South Korean court. The 81-year-old actor was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017 by hugging her and kissing her on the cheek without her consent. Initially found guilty in 2024 and given a suspended prison sentence, Mr O appealed the verdict. The court recently overturned his sentence, citing his participation in sexual violence classes and suggesting the victim's memory may have been distorted due to the time that had passed since the incident.
The alleged assaults occurred in 2017 while Mr O was in a rural area for a theatre performance. The victim filed a complaint in 2021, leading to the case being reopened by the prosecution. The Suwon District Court expressed doubt about Mr O's guilt, mentioning the possibility of the victim's memory being distorted over time. Despite this, Mr O had apologized to the victim, leaving room for the possibility of his involvement in the assault.
Following the court's ruling, the alleged victim expressed disappointment, stating that the verdict does not change the truth or the pain she has endured. Womenlink, a women's rights organization, criticized the ruling for allegedly concealing sexual violence in the theatre industry. It remains uncertain whether the prosecution will challenge the decision.
In response to the court's decision, Mr O expressed gratitude for the judgment. The actor gained international recognition for his role in Squid Game and made history by winning a Golden Globe award for best supporting actor in a series in 2022. His performance in the popular Netflix series captivated audiences worldwide.