Veteran South Korean actor Oh Young-Soo, internationally acclaimed for his portrayal of Player 001 in Netflix’s Squid Game, has been acquitted of all indecent assault charges by an appellate court. The verdict ends nearly two years of legal proceedings and overturns the 80-year-old actor’s earlier conviction, restoring his standing as one of South Korea’s most respected performers.
On November 11, the Suwon District Court’s Criminal Division 6-1 overturned a lower court ruling that had previously found Oh guilty of forcibly molesting a junior theatre colleague. The allegations dated back to August and September 2017 in Daegu, when Oh was accused of hugging and kissing a woman, identified only as “A,” without her consent.
The case first emerged in December 2021, when the woman filed a police complaint. Although authorities initially chose not to prosecute, an appeal prompted a reinvestigation, and Oh was indicted in November 2022. In the initial trial, he was convicted, receiving an eight-month suspended sentence and being ordered to attend 40 hours of sexual violence treatment. Both Oh and the prosecution appealed the verdict, with prosecutors seeking a one-year prison term.
During his final court appearance, Oh reflected on the toll the case had taken, stating, “At my age, I am ashamed to be standing in court. My 80 years of life have been shattered. It is painful and hollow. I only hope to return to my rightful place.”
After reviewing all evidence and testimony, the appellate court concluded there was insufficient proof of criminal intent or misconduct, leading to his full acquittal.
Oh Young-Soo, who made history as the first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for his performance in Squid Game, continues to be celebrated for his enduring contributions to Korean theatre and cinema.