Actor from “Squid Game” Found Guilty of Sexual Misconduct
In a recent development, O Yeong-su, known for his role in the Netflix hit series “Squid Game,” has been found guilty of sexual misconduct by a local court in South Korea. This verdict comes after he was charged with assaulting a woman back in 2017.
O Yeong-su, aged 79, gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of a seemingly vulnerable old man in the dystopian thriller “Squid Game.” His performance even earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series in 2022, making him the first South Korean to achieve such recognition.
The Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court disclosed that O Yeong-su has been sentenced to eight months in prison, although the sentence has been suspended for two years. Additionally, he has been mandated to attend 40 hours of classes focused on sexual violence.
According to Judge Jeong Yeon-ju, the victim’s testimony and records of the assault were deemed consistent and compelling, indicative of genuine experiences. O Yeong-su was indicted in 2022 on charges related to sexually assaulting a woman on two separate occasions, which occurred in a rural area during his stay for a theatre performance in 2017.
“Squid Game” rapidly became a global sensation upon its release on Netflix in 2021. The series, depicting a grim world where marginalized individuals are coerced into participating in deadly versions of childhood games, attracted an astounding 111 million viewers within four weeks.
South Korea’s growing influence on the global stage, propelled by phenomena such as K-pop sensations BTS and the critically acclaimed film “Parasite,” has been further exemplified by the success of “Squid Game.” However, this incident involving O Yeong-su adds to a string of controversies surrounding figures in the South Korean entertainment industry, including allegations of sexual assault against other prominent figures like late filmmaker Kim Ki-duk and actor Cho Jae-hyun.
As the fallout from such incidents continues to reverberate, it underscores the imperative for accountability and systemic change within the industry to address issues of sexual misconduct and ensure a safer environment for all.
