Court overturns earlier probation ruling as veteran actor faces jail time
South Korean actor O Yeong-su, widely recognized for his role as Player 001 in Netflix’s Squid Game, has been sentenced to one year in prison following a conviction for indecent assault. The 80-year-old had initially received an eight-month suspended sentence with two years’ probation, but a recent court ruling overturned that decision and imposed a custodial sentence instead.
The case against O Yeong-su stems from allegations that he forcibly molested a woman in two separate incidents. Although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, prosecutors described him as a seasoned figure in the theatre world who used his influence to sexually harass a vulnerable junior colleague. Local media reports suggest the victim lived in fear following the incidents, both in her personal and professional life.
During the hearing on April 3, prosecutors criticized O Yeong-su’s response to the allegations, noting that he worsened the victim’s distress by stating he acted “with the heart of a father” rather than offering a genuine apology. Despite his insistence that his actions did not amount to assault, O expressed deep remorse before the court, admitting that standing trial at his age was humiliating and that his reputation built over decades had been destroyed.
The incident reportedly occurred in 2017, when O Yeong-su allegedly hugged and kissed the woman near his home without her consent. The actor stated that if his “careless words or actions” caused any pain, he was sorry, but maintained that he did not intend harm. His emotional address reflected the personal toll the case has taken on him.
The final verdict on O Yeong-su’s appeal is expected by June 3, 2025. The case has drawn significant public attention in South Korea and internationally, given O’s fame following Squid Game and broader conversations about accountability and misconduct in the entertainment industry.
Source: Pulse