The trial of Squid Game star Oh Yeong-su, who is accused of sexual misconduct, is set to commence today.
Last year, the 78-year-old star of the Netflix smash hit TV show was charged in Suwon, not too far from the South Korean capital of Seoul.
He is accused of inappropriately touching a woman in 2017, with the woman making an initial complaint in December 2021 before the case was closed by authorities in April 2022.
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Following that, the matter was reopened at the request of the victim, according to reports from South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Oh denies the accusations, having released a statement to TV channel JTBC that read: “I just held her hand to guide the way around the lake.
“I apologised because [the alleged victim] said she wouldn’t make a fuss about it but it doesn’t mean that I admit the charges.”
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He has pleaded not guilty to the assault charges, but that is all that is really known, as South Korean law necessitates that court and police documents in sexual crime cases are not made available.
If the actor is found guilty, he could face a fine of up to £9,821 or up to 10 years in prison.
Oh won a Golden Globe in January 2022 for his performance as Il-nam in the record-breaking Netflix drama, which saw contestants pitted against a number of seemingly simple challenges, but facing the prospect of death should they fail to complete them.
Il-nam was often called ‘the old man’ by other characters in the show, because he was the oldest competitor.
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Without spoiling the show, even though it has been out for long enough now, there was a bit more to it all than that, as well.
After his success as the major US-based awards show, his colleagues were quick to send their congratulations, with his co-star Lee Jung-jae – who portrayed the lead character Seong Gi-Hun – writing: “Mr Il-nam, congratulations.
“Every scene with my teacher was an honour.”
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Fellow actor Kim Joo-ryeong said: “Heartiest congratulations to you, sir.
"Stay healthy always.”
He was also later nominated for an Emmy award in the Best Supporting Actor category, although he lost out to Matthew Macfadyen, who won for his portrayal of Tom in US drama Succession.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 802 9999 between 12pm–2.30pm and 7pm– 9.30pm every day. Alternatively, you can contact Victim Support free on 08 08 16 89 111 available 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas
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Male Survivors Partnership is available to support adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. You can contact the organisation on their website or on their free helpline 0808 800 5005, open 9am–5pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays; 8am–8pm Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10am–2pm Saturdays.
Topics: TV and Film, Netflix, Celebrity, Crime, World News
Tom Wood