O Yeong-su, the 79-year-old actor known for his role in the Netflix sensation “Squid Game,” has been found guilty of sexual misconduct, a local court revealed on Friday. This decision follows charges stemming from a 2017 incident where he assaulted a woman.
In 2022, O made headlines as the first South Korean to clinch a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a series, portraying a seemingly frail old man in the gripping dystopian thriller.
The Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court disclosed that O has been sentenced to eight months in prison, albeit suspended for two years. Additionally, he is mandated to undertake 40 hours of classes addressing sexual violence.
According to Judge Jeong Yeon-ju, the victim’s testimony was consistent and credible, reflecting experiences difficult to fabricate.
The assault incidents occurred during O’s stay for a theater performance in 2017, on a walking path and in front of the victim’s residence, as per the Suwon District Court.
“Squid Game,” a series that delves into a grim universe where marginalized individuals are coerced into deadly renditions of childhood games, swiftly amassed a staggering viewership of 111 million within a month of its 2021 Netflix release.
The show’s triumph underscores South Korea’s burgeoning sway in global pop culture, alongside the likes of K-pop sensation BTS and the Oscar-winning film “Parasite.”