Squid Game's Oh Young Soo could face one-year prison term in sexual harassment case; 87-year-old questions victim's testimony

South Korean actor Oh Young Soo, known for his role in Netflix's hit survival series Squid Game, is facing a potential one-year prison sentence for forcibly molesting a woman in 2017. This comes after the prosecution sought prison time during his appeal trial, following a suspended prison sentence in his first trial.

Prosecution seeks maximum sentence in Oh Young Soo's appeal trial

According to a Chosun Biz report, during the 87-year-old actor's appeal trial at the Suwon District Court's 6th Criminal Appeals Division, the prosecution requested the maximum sentence, emphasising the severity of the crime and his 50-year career in the theatre world.

The prosecution argued that Oh's actions, which included hugging and kissing a female theatre troupe member without her consent in 2017, were particularly damning given his position and power. They also highlighted that the victim, whom they described as a 'promising newcomer, has now forgiven him.

Credit: News1

"The defendant is a veteran who has worked in the theatre world for 50 years, and this is a serious matter where he sexually assaulted a promising newcomer to the theatre world," the prosecution said.

The prosecution added that "the defendant has not been forgiven by the victim and is instead claiming that the victim is making false statements." "The victim is living in fear in her daily life, including at work. Please impose a severe sentence," they stated.

Oh's lawyers continue to downplay the victim's allegations

Oh Young Soo's lawyer, in their final statement, argued that the victim's testimony, the only evidence against the actor, is inconsistent, lacks specificity, and contradicts itself. The lawyer emphasised that the testimony goes against common sense and experience and is further disputed by third-party testimonies.

He said, "The first trial seems to believe that the guilty verdict was due to the apology message the defendant sent to the victim. When 'Squid Game' became a topic of conversation, I was suddenly asked to apologise, which was shocking for me, but I apologised formally so as not to harm the actors and producers."

"The defendant, having lived for 80 years, has committed no crimes and believes theatre is his calling, having solely engaged in theatre activities. He has lost everything due to this incident, but please allow him to restore his honour and finish his life on stage," they noted.

The prosecution, however, has requested a one-year prison sentence. The court's verdict is scheduled for June 3, 2025.

Oh Young Soo in Squid Game

Credit: X

Oh Young Soo played the role of Oh Il Nam, also known as Player 001, in the first season of Squid Game in 2021. His character was initially presented as an elderly man with a brain tumour and dementia, but it was later revealed that he was the creator and host of Squid Game. His character died in season 1; hence, he did not return for the later parts.

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