South Korean actor O Yeong-su, who won a Golden Globe for his role as Oh Il-nam in Netflix’s drama series Squid Game, has been sentenced to eight years of prison, a two-year suspension, and 40 hours of sexual violence education after being found guilty of sexual assault.
The Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court implemented the charge on March 15th, explaining that “the victim’s claims are consistent and appear to be statements that could not have been made without actual experience,” per Korea JoongAng Daily.
The suit, which was first filed in 2021, alleges that Yeong-su hugged the victim while “kissing her on the cheek” during a walking trail in 2017. The actor claims he was guiding her by her hand and that he apologised, but stated that this didn’t mean he admitted to the act. The actor has denied the charges and plans to appeal.
Yeong-su won a Golden Globe in 2022 for his role as 001 in Squid Game, making him the first South Korean actor to clinch the esteemed accolade. He also earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor for the same role.
Squid Game became successful in 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, so much so that rumours about a second season started circulating almost immediately. To keep up with the demand and appease public interest, a spin-off reality television show was launched which saw contestants participate in a similar fashion, engaging in intense scenarios for the purpose of emerging victorious.
Controversy ensued, however, when the game was deemed too dangerous after three people were allegedly injured on set. Netflix immediately dismissed the claims, adding that “claims of serious injury are untrue.” Nonetheless, the show ultimately failed to gain as much success as the original Squid Game, with many citing the show’s inherent inability to replicate the fundamental appeal of the original show as a major contributor to its downfall.
The platform recently released a short teaser trailer for the second season of the original show, which shows Lee Jung-jae’s protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, walking through an airport while on the phone to a mysterious person. In the first season, Yeong-su’s character was a significant anchor within the storyline, becoming an important figure to Seong Gi-hun and integral to the ending.
Before appearing in Squid Game, Yeong-su appeared in theatre productions and lesser-known Korean movies and shows, including 2003’s A Little Monk.
This is a developing story.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.