Oh Young-soo, known for his role as Oh Il Nam in the popular Netflix series ‘Squid Game’, has been convicted of sexual misconduct, marking a significant downturn in his career.
The 79-year-old actor, who gained widespread acclaim for his performance in the survival-thriller, faced allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a woman back in 2017.
The accusations resurfaced in December 2021 when the victim filed a formal complaint, accusing Oh of sexual harassment.
After a lengthy legal battle, the court reached a verdict on November 22, 2022, finding Oh guilty of indecent assault.
The final ruling came on March 15 this year, when a district court judge in Seongnan, Seoul, handed down the decision, citing instances where Oh hugged, kissed, and held the woman’s hand without her consent.
The repercussions of the verdict have been severe for Oh Young-soo. He has been sentenced to eight months in prison, with an additional two-year probation period.
Moreover, he is mandated to undergo a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program, as reported by The New York Times.
The severity of the case prompted prosecutors to seek a harsher sentence, including a one-year prison term and a permanent ban from employment if Oh failed to prove his innocence.
Despite his denials, claiming he was merely trying to assist the woman, the court ruled against him.
The fallout from the case has already impacted Oh Young-soo’s career.
He was removed from the highly anticipated second season of ‘Squid Game’, and his role in the upcoming family drama ‘Big Family’ was recast, with all scenes featuring him being deleted.
The conviction of Oh Young-soo serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in cases of sexual misconduct.
It highlights the ongoing efforts to address such issues within the entertainment industry, emphasizing the need to support and protect victims while holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
