Actor Oh Young-soo Faces Supreme Court Appeal Over Sexual Misconduct Charges After Acquittal

Actor Oh Young-soo, globally recognized for his role as Oh Il-nam, the 'Kkanbu Grandpa,' in Netflix's 'Squid Game,' is now heading to the Supreme Court over sexual misconduct allegations.

The prosecution has filed an appeal against the appellate court's acquittal of Oh. The case, which initially resulted in a guilty verdict in the first trial, was overturned to not guilty in the second trial, leading the prosecution to challenge the ruling, citing 'errors in legal interpretation.'

Oh was accused of inappropriately hugging a junior theater troupe member in August 2017 and kissing her on the cheek in front of her residence in September of the same year. The first trial court had sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, stating the victim's testimony was consistent and aligned with common experience.

However, the appellate court, in its ruling on November 11, stated, 'It cannot be ruled out that the victim's memory has been distorted over time,' and 'It is difficult to conclude it as sexual harassment, and when doubt remains, the judgment should favor the defendant.' The court also cited the unclear boundary between a hug and harassment as a basis for the acquittal.

This case has become the most significant controversy surrounding Oh since his international fame following 'Squid Game,' especially after becoming the first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. The conflicting trial outcomes have kept the case under public scrutiny.

Korean netizens expressed mixed reactions, with some commenting, 'Is the prosecution overreaching?' and 'Hope the truth comes out.' Others remarked, 'It's bittersweet regardless of the outcome,' and 'I just want to remember him for his great acting.'