The star of the series 'Squid Game' sentenced for sexual harassment.

Actor from 'Squid Game' sentenced to a year in prison for sexual harassment

Famous actor O Yongsoo from South Korea, who played one of the leading roles in the popular series 'Squid Game', received a year in prison due to accusations of sexual harassment. This was reported by Daily Star referencing Glavkom.

The court initially sentenced O Yongsoo to eight months of probation with a two-year probationary period, but this decision was later revised, and the punishment was increased.

The incident occurred in 2017 when a former colleague of the actor accused him of kissing and hugging her without her consent in two different situations - on a pedestrian path and near her house. The woman only filed an official complaint about this in November 2022.

The actor denies his guilt and claims that he was merely holding the woman's hand to show her the way around the lake. He also apologized to her but does not consider this an admission of guilt.

The case was closed in early 2022, but due to the victim's appeal, it was reopened. Prosecutors at the court hearing on April 3 argued that the woman lived in fear in both her professional and personal life. O Yongsoo's response about 'parental feelings' outraged the prosecution. Prosecutors stated that such justification only exacerbates the harm done to the victim and accused the actor of lacking genuine remorse.

O Yongsoo's lawyers insist that the accusations are based solely on the victim's testimony, which they believe is vague, inconsistent, and illogical.

In his statement in court, the actor noted:

It is humiliating to stand before the court at such an age. I will accept the verdict if I have done something inappropriate. But I do not believe that my actions were an attack. If my careless words or actions caused pain during a brief interaction, then I am sorry. Everything I have worked for over 80 years has been destroyed in an instant. I feel devastated.

O Yongsoo gained worldwide fame due to his role in the series 'Squid Game', for which he received a Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actor. The President of South Korea personally congratulated him on this victory.

The actor has over 60 years of experience in acting. He began his career in 1963 and made his film debut in 1965 in 'The Seashore Village'.

It is worth noting that actor Gérard Depardieu has also been accused of sexual harassment towards two colleagues on set. The French prosecution is demanding 18 months of probation and a fine for him.

The actor is accused of sexual harassment against two women during the shooting of the film 'Green Shutters' in 2021. The fan-favorite did not appear in court on October 28, 2024, due to health issues, so the case hearing was postponed until March 2025.

Analysis

Actor O Yongsoo, known for his role in the series 'Squid Game', received a sentence of one year in prison for allegations of sexual harassment. The case was filed back in 2017 but was closed and reopened due to the victim's appeal. The actor refused to admit guilt, claiming that his actions were motivated by 'parental feelings'. Prosecutors demanded severe punishment, believing that the victim lived in constant fear. The actor's lawyers pointed out the vagueness and subjectivity of the victim's testimony. During his court statement, the actor expressed great concern about this case. It is worth noting that O Yongsoo has extensive experience in the field of acting and gained worldwide fame thanks to his role in the series 'Squid Game'.