Squid Game Actor Oh Young-Soo Found Guilty Of Sexual Misconduct

Netflix’s 2021 smash hit Squid Game was so popular it also had a queer-filled reality show spinoff. However, one of its original stars has now been imprisoned for sexual misconduct. The beloved Player One who took his last breath in the show's climax has been in the spotlight for his light hearted character, although the actor playing him - Oh Young-soo has now been found guilty of sexual assault on March 15 2024. 

Oh Young-soo found guilty of sexual assualt

Oh Young-soo, the 79-year-old actor who played Oh Il-nam/Player 001 in the series, has been sentenced to an eight-month prison term and a two-year suspension for sexually harassing an actress in 2017 while the two were touring in a play together.

According to Straits Times, "Prosecutors charged Oh in 2022 after an actress filed a complaint accusing him of inappropriately touching her while the two were on tour for a play in 2017." The verdict and sentencing were announced March 15 at a district court in Seongnam, a city south east of Seoul. Following his suspension, Young-soo will also have to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program.

The police report alleged that Young-soo attempted to hug and force a kiss on her cheek while the two went out for a stroll. While he admitted that he held her hand, he denied any indecent assault

It also raises concern of the work environment in the film Industry and what baggages come with this job. How many actors face this on a daily basis? How many actors face this and ignore it on a daily basis? Do directors/ producers or people at a position of power misuse it often? Is there a better way to raise awareness about reporting assault, harrassment and sexual misconduct complaints? While we may not know the definite answer to these questions we can only support and  encourage women/ people who have been violated to report and file complaints against the oppressor. 

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