South Korea. O Yeong-su, renowned for his role in the hit Netflix series Squid Game, has been convicted of sexual harassment by a court in South Korea. The 79-year-old actor received an eight-month suspended prison sentence from the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court.
The charges stem from allegations of sexual harassment dating back to 2017, to which O Yeong-su pleaded not guilty. However, the court found him guilty on two counts of sexual harassment and mandated his attendance in a sexual violence treatment program.
Addressing reporters outside the court, O Yeong-su expressed his intention to appeal against the decision, stating, “I plan to appeal against the decision.” He has seven days to initiate the appeal process, failing which the ruling will stand.
The controversy surrounding the sexual harassment allegations led to O Yeong-su withdrawing from an upcoming film in South Korea, according to Reuters news agency. Despite this setback, the veteran actor gained global recognition for his portrayal of Oh II-nam in Squid Game.
O Yeong-su’s performance in the series earned him the prestigious Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in Television in 2022, making him the first South Korean to receive the accolade. Squid Game, set in South Korea, captivated audiences with its gripping narrative of individuals grappling with debt and participating in life-threatening challenges for a chance at a lucrative prize.
The success of Squid Game prompted Netflix to launch a real-life adaptation titled Squid Game: The Challenge, although without the deadly consequences depicted in the series.
The conviction of O Yeong-su underscores the ongoing efforts to address issues of sexual harassment and misconduct in the entertainment industry, even as his appeal signals a potential legal battle ahead.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
