‘SQUID GAME’ STAR O YEONG-SU, 81, ACQUITTED OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CHARGES
A South Korean court overturned the actor's prior conviction, casting doubt on the accuser's memory and granting him "the benefit of the doubt," a ruling that has been met with outrage from women's rights groups.
South Korean actor O Yeong-su, the 81-year-old star of the global Netflix hit “Squid Game,” has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges.
The Suwon District Court overturned its prior verdict on Tuesday, clearing the actor who had been found guilty in 2024 and given an eight-month suspended prison sentence. The charges stemmed from allegations that he inappropriately hugged and kissed a woman against her will on two occasions in 2017.
In its ruling, the court cited “doubt” as to whether the assault had occurred. The court’s statement, reported by local media, suggested that the alleged victim’s memory may have been “distorted over time,” and concluded that “when there is doubt… the defendant must be given the benefit of the doubt.”
However, the ruling was not a full vindication, as the court also noted it was possible Mr. O had committed the assault, pointing to the fact that he had previously apologized to the accuser.
The alleged victim condemned the verdict in a statement released through the women’s rights organization Womenlink, asserting that the ruling “would not invalidate the truth or erase the pain I have suffered.” Womenlink itself expressed outrage, calling it “a ruling that once again conceals sexual violence in the theatre world.”
Speaking to media after the decision, Mr. O expressed his “gratitude to the court for its wise judgement.” The prosecution has not yet indicated if it will appeal the acquittal. The case brings a contentious end to a legal saga that began when the actor was first charged in 2022.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
