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The 80-year-old actor was accused of forcibly molesting a woman twice, but he pleaded not guilty in his appeal trial. South Korean actor O Yeong Su, who is best known for playing the role of Oh Il Nam, aka Player 001, in Netflix’s Squid Game , has been sentenced to one year in prison after he was found guilty of indecent assault. The 80-year-old actor was accused of forcibly molesting a woman twice.
However, he pleaded not guilty in his appeal trial. During the final hearing of his case on Thursday, April 3, the prosecution described O Yeong Su as a veteran actor who had been in the theatre industry for nearly 50 years, who “sexually harassed a powerless junior member of the theatre troupe." As per Korean media outlets, the prosecution argued that the victim had been living in fear, “both at work and in daily life" ever since the incident happened.
They also pointed out that the defendant, instead of apologising to the victim, further hurt her by saying, “I did it with the heart of a father." The prosecution further added, “His (O Yeong Su) statements have remained consistent since the accusation was made, and their credibility is well established." And requested a one-year prison sentence to support the victim’s recovery and prevent such crimes in the future.
Meanwhile, O Yeong Su’s side denied all the charges, arguing that the victim’s statement was the only evidence against him. They also claimed that her testimony “lacks specificity, consistency, and logical coherence." The 80-year-old actor’s legal team also mentioned that at the time of the accusation, O Yeong Su had gained “global attention due to Squid Game, and he was suddenly asked to apologise.
" The lawyers explained that the actor only responded formally to avoid causing any controversy that might have affected the show. In court, O Yeong Su expressed his disappointment, saying, “I am ashamed to be standing in court at this age. If my words or actions were wrong, I will accept the consequences.
However, even upon reflection, I do not believe I committed any act that could be considered assault." He continued, “If my careless words and actions hurt someone in our brief acquaintance, I regret that. My 80 years of life have collapsed in an instant, and I feel empty.
I just want to return to my place." The accusations date back to 2017 when O Yeong Su forcibly hugged and kissed the victim near his home, which he denied. He was initially sentenced to eight months in prison with a two-year probation period, but the latest ruling has now sentenced him to one year in jail.
The final verdict in this appeal trial will be announced on June 3..
