The Unraveling: Latest Updates On Squid Game Star O Yeong-su's Career And Legal Battle
The career trajectory of O Yeong-su, the veteran South Korean actor who achieved global fame as Player 001, Oh Il-nam, in the Netflix phenomenon Squid Game, has been marked by both historic accolades and intense legal scrutiny. As of late December 2025, the 81-year-old star remains at the center of international headlines following a complex and highly publicized legal battle over allegations of sexual misconduct. The latest and most crucial update on his case involves a significant reversal in the South Korean court system.
The veteran actor’s story is a profound study in late-career resurgence, dramatically complicated by allegations that surfaced shortly after his Golden Globe win. This article provides a deep dive into O Yeong-su’s illustrious five-decade career and the most current, up-to-date information regarding his legal status, which has dominated discussions about the acclaimed star.
O Yeong-su: Biography, Career Highlights, and The Golden Globe Win
O Yeong-su, born Oh Se-kang, has a career spanning over five decades, establishing him as one of South Korea's most respected and accomplished actors, primarily in the realm of theatre. His journey to global recognition was a slow, steady climb that culminated in an unexpected international spotlight at the age of 77.
- Full Name: Oh Se-kang (Legal Name), O Yeong-su (Stage Name)
- Date of Birth: October 19, 1944
- Place of Birth: Kaesong, Gyeonggi Province (now North Korea)
- Nationality: South Korean
- Primary Career: Theatre (Began in 1967)
- Notable Theatre Affiliation: Member of the National Theater Company of Korea (1987-2010)
- Breakthrough Film Role: Buddhist monk in Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003)
- Global Breakthrough: Oh Il-nam (Player 001) in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021)
- Historic Award: Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (2022), becoming the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe.
- Other Notable TV/Film: The First Republic (1981), Queen Seondeok (2009).
Before his breakout role as the "Gganbu Grandfather," O Yeong-su was a pillar of the South Korean theatre scene, appearing in over 200 productions. His performance as a wise Buddhist monk in Kim Ki-duk's critically acclaimed 2003 film, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring, earned him significant domestic praise. However, it was his nuanced, heart-wrenching, and ultimately shocking portrayal of Oh Il-nam in Squid Game that cemented his status as a global icon, earning him the prestigious Golden Globe Award in January 2022.
The Shocking Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Initial Conviction
The veteran actor's newfound international fame was quickly overshadowed by serious legal issues. In late 2022, O Yeong-su was formally indicted on charges of indecent assault.
The allegations stemmed from a complaint filed by an unnamed female theatre colleague, who claimed the actor had inappropriately hugged and kissed her on the cheek against her will in 2017. The case was initially closed by police in 2021 but was later reopened at the accuser's request.
The legal proceedings captured international attention, especially given the actor's age and his recent, celebrated success. In March 2024, the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court ruled against O Yeong-su, finding him guilty of two counts of sexual misconduct. The court sentenced him to an eight-month prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program. This initial conviction was a major blow to his reputation and career.
Latest Update: The 2024 Appellate Court Acquittal and Legal Status
The legal saga took a dramatic and unexpected turn in late 2024. O Yeong-su immediately appealed the March conviction, a move that placed his fate in the hands of a higher court. The appellate trial focused heavily on the credibility of the evidence presented, particularly the testimony of the accuser.
In November 2024, the South Korean appellate court delivered a verdict that overturned the lower court’s ruling. The court acquitted O Yeong-su of all charges, citing "reasonable doubt" in the evidence presented, which prevented the court from definitively concluding that the alleged forced molestations took place.
Current Legal Status:
- Initial Verdict (March 2024): Guilty (Sentenced to 8 months in prison, suspended for 2 years).
- Appellate Verdict (November 2024): Acquitted (Conviction overturned).
- Next Step: The prosecution has the option to appeal the acquittal to the Supreme Court of Korea. As of this writing, the potential for a final Supreme Court review remains the last legal hurdle in the case.
Following the acquittal, the actor expressed gratitude to the court for its "wise judgment." However, the accuser’s legal representatives stated that the acquittal does not nullify the truth of the alleged events, highlighting the deep division and controversy surrounding the case. This complex legal outcome ensures that the discussion around the celebrated Squid Game star will continue to be a subject of intense public and media interest.
O Yeong-su’s Lasting Legacy and Future Career Outlook
Regardless of the legal outcome, O Yeong-su’s influence on the global stage is undeniable. His role as Oh Il-nam, the seemingly frail elderly participant who becomes the protagonist’s "gganbu" (a term for a close friend), provided one of the most memorable and shocking twists in modern television history. The performance earned him a place in history as the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for television, a monumental achievement that highlighted the global reach of the Hallyu wave.
The allegations and subsequent legal battles have undoubtedly cast a shadow over his final years and have effectively put his acting career on hold since 2022. While the appellate acquittal offers a legal reprieve, the court of public opinion remains divided.
The veteran actor's legacy is now inextricably linked to this high-profile case. His five-decade commitment to theatre, his work with the National Theater Company of Korea, and his celebrated role in the Netflix series *Squid Game* define one half of his story. The other half is defined by the very serious sexual misconduct allegations and the subsequent, highly scrutinized court decisions that have alternately convicted and acquitted him. As the world awaits a potential final decision from the Supreme Court, O Yeong-su remains a figure of immense complexity—a Golden Globe winner whose final chapter is yet to be fully written.
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