The Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday dismissed the prosecution's appeal against actor Oh Yeong-su, finalizing his acquittal on charges of sexual misconduct. The 79-year-old actor, best known for his role as Oh Il-nam in Netflix's global hit "Squid Game," had been found not guilty in a lower court in March 2024.
Background of the Case
Oh Yeong-su was indicted in November 2021 on charges of inappropriately touching a woman on two occasions in 2017. The alleged incidents occurred in a rural area where the actor was involved in a theater production. The accuser, a woman in her 20s at the time, reported the incidents to police in 2021, leading to a formal investigation.
The actor consistently denied the allegations, stating that he had only held the woman's hand to guide her on a walking path. His legal team argued that there was no intent of sexual harassment and that the interactions were misinterpreted.
Legal Proceedings and Acquittal
In March 2024, the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court acquitted Oh, citing lack of credible evidence. The court stated that the accuser's testimony lacked consistency and was not corroborated by other evidence. Prosecutors appealed the decision, but the Seoul Central District Court upheld the acquittal on June 29, 2026, dismissing the appeal.
According to court documents, the prosecution failed to provide sufficient proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The appellate court noted that the alleged incidents occurred in a public setting and that the accuser's claims were not supported by witnesses or physical evidence.
Impact on Oh Yeong-su's Career
The acquittal removes a legal cloud that had hung over Oh Yeong-su since the allegations surfaced. Following the initial charges, the actor faced public scrutiny and potential damage to his reputation, especially given his newfound fame from "Squid Game." The series, released in 2021, became Netflix's most-watched show globally and earned Oh a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series.
Oh Yeong-su's character, the elderly Player 001, was a fan favorite, and the actor's performance was widely praised. The legal case, however, led to some professional setbacks, including the cancellation of a planned appearance in a Korean drama series. With the acquittal now final, industry observers expect Oh to resume his acting career, though he has not publicly announced any upcoming projects.
Broader Context of Sexual Misconduct Cases in South Korea
The case is part of a broader societal reckoning with sexual misconduct in South Korea, particularly in the entertainment industry. The #MeToo movement gained traction in the country in 2018, leading to several high-profile cases involving actors, directors, and producers. However, legal outcomes have been mixed, with some cases resulting in convictions and others in acquittals due to insufficient evidence.
According to data from the Korean Institute of Criminology, conviction rates for sexual crimes in South Korea have been around 60% in recent years, but cases involving public figures often face higher scrutiny and more rigorous evidentiary standards. Legal experts note that the burden of proof remains a significant hurdle for accusers, especially when incidents occurred years ago and lack physical evidence.
Reaction from the Public and Legal Community
The acquittal has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of Oh Yeong-su expressed relief, arguing that the actor was wrongly accused and that the court's decision vindicated him. On social media, fans celebrated the outcome, with many expressing hope that Oh would return to acting. Conversely, women's rights groups criticized the decision, stating that it could discourage victims of sexual violence from coming forward. A representative from the Korean Women's Hotline said, "While we respect the court's decision, we are concerned that such outcomes may perpetuate a culture where victims feel they will not be believed."
Legal analyst Kim Ji-yoon commented, "The court's decision underscores the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty.' The prosecution's failure to meet the burden of proof does not necessarily mean the incident did not occur, but it means the evidence was insufficient for a conviction."
Oh Yeong-su's Statement
Following the court's dismissal of the appeal, Oh Yeong-su issued a brief statement through his lawyer. "I am grateful that the truth has been recognized. I have always maintained my innocence, and I thank my legal team and supporters. I hope to move forward and continue contributing to the arts." The actor did not take questions from reporters.
What's Next for Oh Yeong-su
With the legal case concluded, Oh Yeong-su is expected to gradually return to public life. His agent stated that the actor is reviewing several script offers but has not committed to any project yet. The acquittal may also pave the way for his participation in international events, as travel restrictions related to the case are no longer a concern.
The actor's legacy, however, remains tied to "Squid Game," which continues to be a cultural phenomenon. The series is set to return for a second season in late 2026, though Oh's character died in the first season, making his involvement unlikely. Nonetheless, his performance in the show has secured his place in television history.
