Suwon, South Korea — O Yeong-su, the actor renowned for his role in the hit series “Squid Game,” has been acquitted of sexual assault charges following a ruling by a local court that questioned the reliability of the alleged victim’s memory. The 81-year-old actor was initially found guilty in 2024 and received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. However, he consistently maintained his innocence and intended to appeal.

On November 11, 2025, the Suwon District Court reversed the earlier decision, indicating that the time elapsed since the incidents might have significantly impaired the victim’s recollection. The court emphasized that Yeong-su had undertaken educational programs addressing sexual violence, which contributed to its reevaluation of the case.

The allegations against Yeong-su stemmed from incidents that occurred during a theater performance in 2017, where the accuser claimed he had embraced her without consent and kissed her on the cheek. Following the initial complaint filed in 2021, the case was closed shortly thereafter but was reopened at the accuser’s request, which reinvigorated the legal proceedings.

In its statements, the Suwon District Court cited doubts concerning the veracity of the accusations, stating that when uncertainties exist, the defendant should receive the benefit of the doubt. While the ruling cleared Yeong-su, it also acknowledged the potential for the claims to have merit, particularly given his previous apology to the alleged victim.

The individual who filed the complaint strongly disagreed with the court’s determination and expressed her commitment to continuing to speak out about her experience. Representing herself through the women’s rights organization Womenlink, she criticized the ruling for not reflecting her lived truth and the suffering she endured.

The organization condemned the court’s decision, denouncing it as yet another instance of overlooking sexual violence, particularly within the entertainment industry. They expressed outrage over the verdict, which they feel undermines the experiences of victims.

The prosecution has yet to announce whether it will seek to contest the court’s ruling. Meanwhile, Yeong-su expressed gratitude to the court for what he perceived as a “wise judgment.”

O Yeong-su gained international fame after becoming the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe for his portrayal of O II-nam, an enigmatic figure pivotal to the narrative of “Squid Game.” The series, depicting dire competitions among marginalized individuals, has gained significant cultural impact worldwide, drawing over 111 million viewers within weeks of its debut in 2021.

The controversy surrounding the allegations has had repercussions for Yeong-su’s career, leading him to withdraw from a pending film project in South Korea. This episode highlights the complex interplay between celebrity, public perception, and the legal system, raising ongoing conversations about accountability and justice in the realm of sexual misconduct.