O Yeong-su, a South Korean actor best known for playing Player 001 in the popular Netflix series Squid Game, was found guilty of indecent assault and given a one-year prison sentence.
The renowned actor, 80, was previously sentenced to eight months in prison and two years of probation. A recent court judgment, however, reversed the judgment and substituted a one-year jail sentence.
O Yeong-su has continuously disputed the allegations that he violently molested a woman in two different events, which are the basis for the charges against him.
Prosecutors claimed that the actor, who is a well-known personality in South Korea’s theatre industry, sexually harassed a weaker younger coworker during a hearing on Thursday, April 3.
According to local media, the victim’s personal and professional life was plagued by fear following the incidents. O’s answer to the accusations was questioned by the prosecution, who said that by responding, “I did it with the heart of a father,” instead of expressing genuine regret, he inflicted more injury.
Even though he insisted he was innocent, the actor apologised to the court:
Being put on trial at this age is degrading. I’ll accept the criticism if I said or did something improper. However, I don’t think what I did qualified as assault.
I apologise if my thoughtless words or deeds during a brief exchange caused you any grief. Everything I’ve constructed over the past 80 years has suddenly fallen apart. I feel depleted. All I want is to go back to my place.
According to reports, the actor kissed and hugged the woman close to his house in 2017 without getting her permission. By June 3, the court is anticipated to issue its final decision regarding the appeal.
