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 charges, filed in 2022, alleged that he sexually assaulted a woman twice by hugging her and kissing her on the cheek against her will. Initially, Mr. O was found guilty in 2024, receiving an eight-month suspended prison sentence. However, he appealed the verdict.
On Tuesday, the court overturned his conviction, stating that he had completed classes on sexual violence and casting doubt on the accuracy of the victim's recollections due to the time elapsed since the incidents.
The alleged assaults took place during a theater performance in 2017. Review of the case followed a request from the victim to reopen the investigation after it was initially closed in 2021.
The Suwon District Court's decision highlighted uncertainties regarding Mr. O's guilt, emphasizing that when doubt exists, the defendant should receive the benefit of the doubt.
Despite this verdict, the victim expressed her dissatisfaction, asserting that it does not diminish her suffering. Organizations like Womenlink condemned the ruling for its implications on the representation of sexual violence in the theater sector.
O Yeong-Su expressed gratitude to the court for what he called a 'wise judgment'. The actor has gained international recognition for his role in 'Squid Game', even winning a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
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