Key Highlights–
- Squid Game star O Yeong-su acquitted of sexual misconduct charges by a South Korean court.
- The 81-year-old’s conviction was overturned after doubts over the alleged victim’s memory.
- Speculation rises over whether he could return for Squid Game Season 2 as South Korea debates cancel culture and celebrity accountability.
Veteran actor O Yeong-su, best known for his role as “Player 001” in Netflix’s global hit Squid Game, has been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges by a South Korean court, marking a dramatic reversal in the two-year-long case.
O Yeong-su Cleared of Misconduct Charges
The 81-year-old, who made history in 2022 as the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe, had been accused of hugging and kissing a woman on the cheek against her will in 2017. He was initially found guilty in 2024 and handed an eight-month suspended sentence, but maintained his innocence and appealed.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Suwon District Court overturned the verdict on Tuesday, citing inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony and the passage of time since the alleged incident. The court added that O had completed sexual violence education sessions and noted there was “doubt” over whether the assault had occurred.
Court Says ‘Benefit of Doubt’ Applies
In its ruling, the court stated there was “a possibility the victim’s memory had been distorted over time” and that when uncertainty exists, “the defendant must be given the benefit of the doubt.”
However, the statement acknowledged O’s apology to the woman, a factor that “could suggest” inappropriate conduct but was insufficient for a criminal conviction.
Women’s rights group Womenlink, which supported the alleged victim, condemned the ruling, calling it “another example of how sexual violence in the theatre world is concealed.” The woman also said the verdict would not “invalidate the truth or erase the pain I have suffered,” pledging to “continue speaking the truth to the very end.”
Squid Game 2: Comeback or Controversy?
The acquittal has reignited speculation about whether O Yeong-su could reappear in Squid Game Season 2, a question that has divided South Korean audiences and global fans alike.
Netflix has not commented on the ruling or the actor’s potential return. Industry insiders told local outlets that while O’s reputation remains tarnished in some circles, his legal exoneration could open the door for a cautious comeback.
If that happens, it would mirror a growing trend in Korean entertainment, where celebrities once “cancelled” online are slowly returning after court rulings clear their names, as reported by the BBC.
Cancel Culture and Celebrity Justice in Korea
O’s acquittal has revived a broader debate about cancel culture in South Korea, where public outrage often precedes legal outcomes. In recent years, several high-profile entertainers, including actors and K-pop idols, have faced public shaming or removal from projects before verdicts were delivered.
Analysts say the O Yeong-su case highlights the tension between social justice movements and due process, reflecting how Korea’s media ecosystem often struggles to strike a balance between the two.
In recent years, South Korea’s entertainment industry has seen several celebrities removed from shows or dropped by brands long before their trials concluded, even when courts later cleared them.
Actor Yoo Ah-in, accused of drug use, was edited out of major streaming projects pending investigation. Similarly, singer Kim Hyun-joong and actor Oh Dal-su faced career setbacks after allegations that were later dismissed or unproven. These cases, much like O Yeong-su’s acquittal, highlight the growing divide between social judgment and legal verdicts, and how cancel culture in Korea often delivers punishment before proof.
The Bigger Picture
As global audiences await Squid Game 2, the question is no longer just about casting; it’s about redemption and responsibility in the entertainment industry.
O Yeong-su’s journey from Golden Globe winner to accused offender and now acquitted actor captures the fragile intersection of fame, morality, and memory. Whether Netflix welcomes him back or not, his case has already reshaped conversations about how far cancel culture should go and when it should stop.
