Squid Game star O Yeong-Su has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges by a court in South Korea. The 81-year-old was initially charged in 2022 for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman by hugging and kissing her on the cheek without consent.
In 2024, Mr O was found guilty and received an eight-month suspended prison sentence, but he appealed the ruling. A recent court decision overturned his conviction, noting that he had attended classes on sexual violence and expressing doubts about the credibility of the victim’s memory due to the time elapsed since the incident.
The alleged incidents occurred in 2017 while Mr O was on a rural theatre tour. Although the initial complaint was filed in 2021, the case faced several closures and reopenings, ultimately leading to legal proceedings.
The Suwon District Court remarked on the possibility that the victim's memories had become distorted over time, emphasizing that the defendant should be granted the benefit of the doubt in light of uncertainties. However, they acknowledged that Mr O had previously apologized to the victim, indicating potential culpability.
The victim expressed her dissatisfaction with the verdict, maintaining her truth and highlighting her ongoing pain. In a statement released through a women's rights group, she stated her commitment to continuing her advocacy despite the ruling.
Womenlink, the organization supporting the victim, criticized the court’s decision for perpetuating a culture that conceals sexual violence in the theatre community. The prosecution's next steps remain undecided.
After the ruling, Mr O expressed appreciation for the court's decision. He gained international recognition for his role in the Netflix hit series Squid Game, and he was the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for best supporting actor in 2022.
