Star of the “Squid Game,” O Yeong-su accused of Sexual Misconduct
South Korean judicial officials confirmed yesterday that award-winning ‘Squid Game’ actor O Yeong-su had been accused with sexual misconduct. The 78-year-old, who made history as the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for best supporting actor in a Netflix hit series, is accused of sexually assaulting a lady in 2017.
In December 2021, the purported victim reported Mr. Yeong-su for criminal wrongdoing. As of April 2022, however, the investigation was closed and the actor was not charged with any wrongdoing. However, “at the request of the victim,” police reopened the probe, as reported by the BBC.
Now that he’s been charged, Mr. Yeong-su isn’t being held in custody. When questioned by authorities, he flatly denied the charge.
Mr. Yeong-su explained, “I just held her hand to guide the way around the lake”. Speaking to Korean news broadcaster JTBC, he added, “I apologised because (the person) said she wouldn’t make a fuss about it but it doesn’t mean that I admit the charges”.
After the sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, Seoul’s culture ministry pulled a government commercial starring Mr. Yeong-su from air.
Yeong-su has been an actor for almost 50 years, but it was his performance in “Squid Game” that brought him widespread recognition. He took on the role of the oldest contestant in the survival game.
Mr. Yeong-acting su’s credits are varied and include roles as diverse as King Lear in the namesake play and an appearance on the South Korean TV series Chocolate.