Squid Game actor, O Yeong-su, has been handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of sexual misconduct by a court in South Korea.
The 79-year-old actor, renowned for his portrayal of Oh Il-nam, the oldest participant in the popular series, has vowed to contest the ruling, signaling his intention to appeal within the stipulated seven-day window.
The charges stem from incidents dating back to 2017, when O allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on two separate occasions while residing in a rural area for a theater performance. According to reports from AFP, the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court delineated the specifics of the assaults, citing instances where O purportedly hugged the woman and kissed her cheek without her consent.
Throughout the trial, the Squid Game actor vehemently denied the accusations leveled against him, asserting his innocence in the face of mounting scrutiny. Nevertheless, the court deemed the victim’s testimony credible, with Judge Jeong Yeon-ju emphasizing the consistency and authenticity of her accounts, deeming them indicative of genuine lived experiences.
Consequently, in addition to the suspended prison sentence, O has been mandated to attend classes focused on sexual violence.
The fallout from the scandal has already manifested, with O reportedly being dropped from an upcoming film project, as reported by Reuters.
In the wake of the sentencing, Womenlink, a prominent feminist organization, issued a statement condemning sexual violence in all its forms while urging the highly respected Squid Game actor to acknowledge his wrongdoing and extend an apology to the victim.
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O Yeong-su, born as O Se-kang on October 19, 1944, is a revered South Korean actor renowned for his illustrious career across theater, film, and television.
Hailing from Kaepung County in Gyeonggi (now part of Kaesong, North Korea), O’s journey into the world of acting was influenced by his family’s relocation to Paju during the tumultuous era of the Korean War. Tragically, the war claimed the life of his father and led to the abduction of his brother by North Korean forces, marking the genesis of O’s resilient spirit in the face of adversity.
Embarking on his theatrical journey in the early 1960s, O’s talent quickly garnered attention as he became a pivotal member of “The Square” theater crew.
His affiliation with the National Theater Company of Korea from 1987 to 2010 further solidified his standing in the industry, with memorable collaborations alongside esteemed actors such as Jang Min-ho, whom he fondly regards as his mentor. Over the decades, O’s catalogue has encompassed a diverse array of productions, ranging from classics like “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “The Merchant of Venice” to more contemporary works like “A Confession for a Black Prostitute“.
Throughout his career, O’s versatility has been on full display, with notable portrayals including Faust in Goethe’s iconic tragedy and the titular role in Shakespeare’s “Richard III.”
In addition to his theatrical endeavors, O’s on-screen presence has left an indelible mark, particularly in his portrayal of monks—a role he attributes to his rich experience with Buddhist plays.
However, it was his breakout performance as Oh Il-nam in the 2021 Netflix sensation “Squid Game” that catapulted him to international acclaim. Notably, O’s portrayal earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor, marking a historic milestone as the first South Korean actor to receive such accolades.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, O’s civic engagement is evidenced by his ambassadorship for Korean performance tourism, showcasing his commitment to promoting cultural exchange and appreciation.
However, amidst his professional achievements, O’s personal life has been marred by controversy, with allegations of sexual misconduct surfacing in 2022.
