Full Breakdown
O Yeong-su Acquitted of Sexual Misconduct Charges
11/11/2025, 8:30:41 PM
Overview of the Case
O Yeong-su, the 81-year-old actor renowned for his role in the Netflix series "Squid Game," has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges by the Suwon District Court in South Korea. The court's decision, announced on November 11, 2025, overturned a previous conviction from 2024, which had sentenced O to an eight-month suspended prison term for allegedly hugging and kissing a woman without her consent during a theater tour in 2017.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations against O stemmed from an incident during a regional theater performance in 2017, where he was accused of inappropriately touching a fellow actress. The alleged victim filed a complaint in 2021, but the case was initially closed by April of that year. It was later reopened at her request, leading to charges in 2022.
Court's Rationale for Acquittal
The appellate court cited several factors in its ruling. It acknowledged that the victim had sought counseling for sexual violence six months after the incident and noted that O had apologized to her. However, the court expressed concerns about the reliability of the victim's memory, suggesting it may have been "distorted" over time. The judges emphasized that when doubt exists regarding the defendant's actions, the benefit of the doubt must be granted to the accused.
Reactions to the Verdict
Following the acquittal, the alleged victim released a statement through the women's rights organization Womenlink, asserting that the ruling would not "invalidate the truth or erase the pain I have suffered." She emphasized her commitment to speaking out against sexual violence in the arts community. Womenlink also condemned the court's decision, expressing outrage over what they perceived as a failure to address sexual violence adequately.
O Yeong-su, in response to the ruling, expressed gratitude to the court for its "wise judgment." His legal troubles had previously cast a shadow over his career, especially following his rise to international fame after "Squid Game," for which he won a Golden Globe Award in 2022.
Implications and Next Steps
The prosecution has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the court's decision. The case has sparked discussions about the treatment of sexual misconduct allegations within the entertainment industry, particularly in South Korea, where such issues have gained increasing attention in recent years.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Despite today’s ruling, I will continue to speak the truth to the very end.” — Alleged Victim
- “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,” — Suwon District Court Statement
- “gratitude to the court for its wise judgement.” — O Yeong-su
The outcome of this case highlights the complexities surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct and the judicial process in South Korea, raising questions about accountability and the protection of victims in the arts community.
