‘Squid Game’ Star O Yeong-su Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Sexual Assault

South Korean actor O Yeong-su, widely recognized for his role as Player 001 in Netflix’s global hit Squid Game, has been sentenced to one year in prison after being convicted of indecent assault.

The 80-year-old veteran actor was initially handed an eight-month suspended sentence with two years’ probation. However, a South Korean court overturned that ruling and imposed a custodial sentence during a hearing held on Thursday, April 3.

The charges stem from allegations that O Yeong-su forcibly molested a woman on two occasions. The incidents reportedly occurred in 2017 near the actor’s residence, where he is accused of hugging and kissing the woman without her consent.

Throughout the legal proceedings, O has denied the allegations, maintaining that his actions did not constitute sexual assault. Nonetheless, during his court appearance, the actor expressed regret over the situation.

“It’s humiliating to stand trial at this age,” he told the court. “If my words or actions caused pain during a brief interaction, I’m sorry. I don’t believe they amounted to assault, but I accept the court’s judgment.”

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Prosecutors argued that O used his seniority and influence within South Korea’s theatre scene to harass a junior colleague, further criticizing his response to the allegations. They cited a statement he made—“I did it with the heart of a father”—as dismissive and harmful to the victim, who reportedly experienced ongoing distress in both her personal and professional life.

O Yeong-su, a highly respected figure in the Korean performing arts industry for decades, rose to international fame in 2021 with his critically acclaimed role in Squid Game, earning a Golden Globe Award nomination.

The court is expected to issue a final verdict on O’s appeal by June 3.