South Korean actor O Yeong Su, 81, best known for his role as “Player 001” in the global hit series Squid Game, has been acquitted of sexual harassment charges, bringing an end to a scandal that gripped South Korea and raised questions about memory, power, and accountability.
The alleged incident occurred in 2017, when Mr Su was staying in a rural area for a theatre performance.
The complainant filed a case in 2021, which was initially dismissed but later reopened at the request of the alleged victim, according to reports by Yonhap News Agency.
Court documents indicate that the woman accused Mr. Su of hugging and kissing her on the cheek without consent.
In 2022, the actor was formally charged, and in 2024, he was found guilty and sentenced to an eight-month suspended prison term. Mr Su immediately appealed the ruling.
On Tuesday, the Suwon District Court overturned the previous sentence, citing “doubt” over the accuracy of the alleged victim’s recollection, given the time elapsed since the incident.
“There is a possibility that the victim’s memory has been distorted over time, and when there is doubt, the accused must be given the benefit of the doubt,”the report further stated.
The court also noted that Mr Su had completed classes on sexual indecency, reinforcing the decision to acquit him.
The alleged victim expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating that it would not erase “the truth” of what happened. It remains unclear whether the prosecution will appeal the decision.
O Yeong Su thanked the courts for “its wise judgement.”
The actor rose to international fame for his role in Squid Game, becoming the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for the series’ first season.