A court in South Korea has given Squid Game artist O Yeong-Su an eight-month suspended jail verdict for sexual misconduct.
In a recent verdict, a 79-year-old actor, known for his role in the popular series “Squid Game,” has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman on two separate occasions.
The charges stem from incidents that occurred five years ago when the actor, identified only as O, was staying in a rural area for a theater performance in 2017.
Details of the Assault
According to reports from the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court, the assaults allegedly involved O hugging a woman and kissing her on the cheek against her will.
The victim’s accounts of the incidents were deemed consistent and credible by the court, leading to the guilty verdict.
Response from O and Legal Proceedings
O has expressed his intention to appeal against the verdict and has seven days to lodge the appeal. Despite his denial of the allegations, the court has ordered him to attend classes on sexual violence as part of his sentencing.
Impact on O’s Career and Public Reaction
The controversy surrounding the sexual assault allegations has already had repercussions on O’s career. He was reportedly dropped from an upcoming film project in South Korea following the accusations.
The sentencing has sparked reactions from various quarters, including Womenlink, a prominent feminist organization, which emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing sexual violence.
Background on O’s Career
O gained international fame for his role in “Squid Game,” a dystopian drama series that garnered massive popularity on Netflix.
His portrayal of Oh Il-nam, the oldest participant in the deadly competition, earned him a Golden Globe award, making him the first South Korean actor to achieve this honor.
Conclusion
The verdict against O underscores the seriousness with which cases of sexual assault are treated, even involving high-profile individuals.
As the legal proceedings continue and O considers his options for appeal, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in addressing allegations of sexual violence.