“The life I’ve maintained for 80 years has collapsed in vain.”
Actor Oh Young-soo, who gained global recognition through the Netflix series “Squid Game,” has been sentenced to one year in prison in the appellate court on charges of forced harassment. On the 3rd, at the final trial held at the Suwon District Court Criminal Appeals Division 6-1 (Presiding Judges Gwak Hyung-seop, Kim Eun-jung, Kang Hee-kyung), the prosecution demanded the same one-year prison sentence as the first trial.
In the summer of 2017, Oh Young-soo is accused of forcibly harassing a female colleague, Ms. A, while preparing for a play in the province by hugging her on a walking trail and kissing her on the cheek in front of her residence on two occasions. He was indicted without detention in 2022 and was sentenced to eight months in prison with a two-year probation and ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program in the first trial last year.
The prosecution pointed out in the trial session, “It is a serious crime for a veteran actor, who has worked in the theater industry for 50 years, to commit sexual harassment by power against a newcomer,” noting that “the victim has been living in fear since the incident, and the defendant is evading responsibility by claiming the victim’s testimony is false without sincere reflection.”
In response, Oh Young-soo’s side argued, “There is no direct evidence to support the charges, and there is no meaningful evidence other than the victim’s testimony,” claiming innocence. They especially emphasized that the victim’s testimony lacks consistency and specificity and conflicts with third-party testimonies.
Regarding the controversial apology message from Oh Young-soo, his side argued, “It was a formal message to prevent harm to the producers and colleagues of ‘Squid Game’,” asserting that it was not a sincere apology. He appealed to the court for an acquittal.
In his final statement, Oh Young-soo admitted, “My behavior at that time was wrong and if it constitutes a crime, I will accept the consequences,” but also added, “Looking back, there was no reason to call my actions harassment. This incident has senselessly destroyed the life I’ve preserved for 80 years, and I wish to return to my place,” shedding tears.
The victim’s side criticized Oh Young-soo’s lack of reflection and responsibility, insisting that the victim has consistently testified since the incident and has only been further hurt post-accusation. They emphasized that Oh Young-soo’s statement saying ‘I acted because she felt like a daughter’ was akin to secondary victimization and requested strict punishment.
The verdict in this case is scheduled for June 3rd. The outcome of the appeal following the probation sentence in the first trial draws attention. Oh Young-soo entirely denies the charges, with the legal battle still fiercely ongoing.
