‘Squid Game’ actor O Yeong-su acquitted of sexual misconduct
South Korean actor O Yeong-su, best known for Squid Game, has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges.
In 2024, the actor was sentenced to an eight-month suspended prison sentence and 40 hours of sexual violence education after being found guilty of sexual assault.
The Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court implemented the charge, stating that “the victim’s claims are consistent and appear to be statements that could not have been made without actual experience”.
The suit, first filed in 2021, alleged that Yeong-su sexually harassed a woman in 2017 during a regional theatre tour. He had been accused of hugging and kissing her without consent.
Now, according to the Yonhap News Agency, he has been acquitted in an appeal court in South Korea.
The Suwon District Court appealed the verdict due to “doubt” over whether Yeong-su committed the assault, claiming, “There is a possibility that the victim’s memory has been distorted over time, and when there is doubt… the defendant must be given the benefit of the doubt.”
However, they did also concede that the alleged victim did receive counselling for sexual violence for six months after the incident, and Yeong-su also offered her an apology.
In a statement, published via the women’s rights organisation Womenslink, she said of the decision to overturn the verdict, “Despite today’s ruling, I will continue to speak the truth to the very end.”
Additionally, the charity added they are “outraged by a ruling that once again conceals sexual violence in the theatre world”.
Following the court ruling, Yeong-su, who won a Golden Globe for his performance in Squid Game, said he has “gratitude to the court for its wise judgement”.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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