"Squid Game" actor O Yeong-su sentenced to eight months in sexual harassment case

A South Korean actor O Yeong-su, known for his role in the popular Netflix series "Squid Game," was sentenced to eight months in prison in a sexual harassment case. The actor received a suspended prison sentence.

In a verdict announced by the Seongnam branch of the Suwon district court, O Yeong-su received an eight-month prison term, which is suspended for two years. 

Additionally, he is required to participate in a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program, as per the verdict.

The 79-year-old actor denied the accusation after charges of sexual harassment were brought against him in 2017.

Following the court’s decision, he announced his plans to appeal the verdict to reporters outside the court.

He has one week to file the appeal, otherwise the ruling will become final.

A fellow actress filed a complaint against O Yeong-su alleging inappropriate touching. O Yeong-su had previously stated that he had only held the woman's hand to guide her around a lake.

“I apologised because she [the petitioner] said she wouldn’t make a fuss about it but it doesn’t mean that I admit the charges,” he said.

As per media reports, Yeong-su faced indictment in 2020 and prosecutors requested a one-year prison term for him. 

He made history in 2022 as the first South Korean actor to win the prestigious Golden Globe award for his portrayal of the elderly character Oh II-nam, who was the key antagonist in the first season of "Squid Game".

The allegations of sexual harassment resulted in his removal from an upcoming South Korean movie.