O Yeong-Su, the 81-year-old star of 'Squid Game', has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges by a court in South Korea.
The actor faced allegations in 2022 of sexually assaulting a woman on two occasions, with claims that he hugged the woman and kissed her against her will.
Previously found guilty in 2024 and sentenced to eight months in prison, the court's recent ruling stated the actor had completed sexual violence classes and suggested doubts regarding the victim's memories due to the incident's timeline.
The alleged incidents reportedly occurred in 2017 during Mr. O's stay in a rural area. The case was initially closed in 2021 after a complaint was filed but was reopened at the victim's request.
The Suwon District Court expressed uncertainty about O's guilt, indicating that if there were doubts about the victim's recollection, the defendant ought to benefit from those uncertainties.
Despite this ruling, the victim stated that it does not erase her suffering and emphasized her commitment to speaking the truth regarding the matter.
Women's rights organization Womenlink voiced their disappointment, arguing that the verdict conceals sexual violence in the theater industry.
It remains unclear whether the prosecution will appeal the acquittal.
Post-ruling, Mr. O expressed gratitude towards the judicial decision and the court's wisdom.
O Yeong-Su gained international acclaim for his role in the hit series 'Squid Game' and made history in 2022 as the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
