Squid Game Star O Yeong-su Is Acquitted of Sexual-Misconduct Charges on Appeal

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South Korean actor O Yeong-su, famous for his role in the first season of Squid Game, has been cleared of sexual misconduct charges, the BBC reports. He was initially found guilty in 2024 and given an eight-month suspended sentence after being accused of unwanted physical contact – hugging and kissing an actress on the cheek – during a 2017 regional theater tour. However, he appealed the decision. The appeals court considered that he had completed sexual violence education and noted the victim received counseling in 2018, as well as the fact that O had apologized directly to her. The court stated there was a possibility the victim’s memory of the event may have changed over time, and in cases of doubt, the defendant should be acquitted.

The actress initially reported the assault in 2021, but the police closed the case that same year, before the release of Squid Game on Netflix. She requested they reopen it, and charges were filed against O in 2022. Following a recent acquittal, she released a statement through the feminist group Womenlink, saying that a legal outcome can’t change what happened or lessen her pain. She also stated she will continue to speak out against sexual violence within the entertainment industry. O expressed his thanks to the court for its decision, according to the BBC. Prosecutors have the option to appeal the verdict, but haven’t announced if they will.

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2025-11-11 18:53