O Yeong-su Acquitted: The Full Timeline Of The 'Squid Game' Star's Legal Battle And Legendary Career

The legendary South Korean actor O Yeong-su, best known globally as Oh Il-nam (Player 001) from the Netflix phenomenon *Squid Game*, has recently dominated international headlines, not just for his historic career, but for a high-profile legal battle that captivated the world. As of late 2024, the octogenarian star's reputation has seen a dramatic shift following the reversal of a previous conviction. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the actor's life, his 60-year journey from the stage to global stardom, and the definitive timeline of the sexual misconduct case that has defined his recent years. The most critical and current update in the actor's life is the November 2024 decision by the Suwon District Court, which overturned his earlier conviction in a sexual misconduct case. This acquittal marks a significant turning point, bringing a complex and controversial chapter to a close and allowing the focus to return to his distinguished, decades-long contribution to South Korean arts. His story is a powerful narrative of a veteran artist who achieved unprecedented global recognition late in life, only to face an immediate and severe personal challenge.

O Yeong-su: Biography and Profile

O Yeong-su (Korean: 오영수), born O Se-kang, is a celebrated South Korean actor whose career spans over six decades in theater, film, and television. He achieved global superstardom at the age of 77, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the craft.

• Birth Name: O Se-kang (오세강)
• Date of Birth: October 19, 1944
• Place of Birth: Kaesong, Gyeonggi Province, Korea (now North Korea)
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Actor (Stage, Film, Television)
• Years Active: 1967–present
• Debut: Stage acting in 1967
• Notable Role: Oh Il-nam (Player 001) in *Squid Game* (2021)
• Historic Award: Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role on Television (2022)
• Career Milestone: First South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe in an acting category.

The Full Timeline of the Sexual Misconduct Case and November 2024 Acquittal

O Yeong-su's career took a sharp, unexpected turn following his global success with *Squid Game*. The legal proceedings, which began in 2022, have been the most scrutinized aspect of his recent public life. Understanding the timeline of the case is essential to grasp the full context of the recent acquittal.

The Initial Allegations and Indictment (2022)

The case stems from allegations of sexual misconduct made by a woman regarding an incident that reportedly occurred in 2017. The initial investigation was closed by the police in 2021. However, the case was reopened by the prosecution, and O Yeong-su was officially indicted without detention in November 2022 on charges of forced molestation.

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The actor consistently denied the allegations, stating that he merely held the woman's hand to guide her around a lake, and that he apologized for the incident only because the woman said she "would not make a fuss" about it.

The March 2024 Conviction and Suspended Sentence

In March 2024, the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court delivered its initial verdict. O Yeong-su was found guilty of two counts of sexual harassment.

The court sentenced the veteran actor to eight months in prison, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.

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Following the conviction, the actor immediately filed an appeal, maintaining his innocence and labeling the sentence "excessively harsh."

The November 2024 Acquittal: A Dramatic Reversal

The appeal hearing, held at the Suwon District Court, Criminal Appeals Division 6-1, concluded with a dramatic reversal of the lower court's decision. On November 11, 2024, O Yeong-su was acquitted of all charges.

The appellate court's decision was based on several factors, primarily citing "inconsistent testimony" from the accuser and a "lack of evidence" to definitively prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. This ruling overturned the original sentence, effectively clearing his legal record in the matter. The decision was met with both support and protest, highlighting the deeply complex nature of public perception in such high-profile cases.

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A Career of Unprecedented Milestones: From Stage to Golden Globe

While the legal drama consumed the headlines, it is vital to remember the immense contribution O Yeong-su has made to the arts. His career trajectory is one of the most unique in modern acting history, culminating in a late-career global explosion.

The Master of the Stage

O Yeong-su's primary domain for the majority of his life was the theater. He began acting on stage in 1967 and, by his own account, has appeared in over 200 plays throughout his career.

He is widely regarded in South Korea as one of the nation's greatest stage actors, known for his powerful presence and versatility. He was a dedicated member of the National Theater Company of Korea from 1987, solidifying his status as a pillar of the country's performing arts scene.

His work has often focused on traditional and classical Korean theater, giving him a deep, nuanced understanding of performance that he later brought to the screen.

The Cinematic and Television Legacy

Before his global breakthrough, O Yeong-su had already established a respected presence in film and television. His notable works include:

• *The First Republic* (1981): One of his earliest notable television appearances, marking his transition to the screen.
• *Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring* (2003): Directed by the acclaimed Kim Ki-duk, this film is a critical masterpiece. O Yeong-su played the role of the Elder Monk, a performance that showcased his calm, profound gravitas and earned him international recognition among cinephiles.
• Other Films: He has also appeared in films like *A Little Monk* (2002) and *Seoul Eol* (2007), demonstrating a consistent, if quiet, filmography over the decades.

The *Squid Game* Phenomenon and Golden Globe History

In 2021, O Yeong-su's life changed with the release of the Netflix survival drama *Squid Game*. His portrayal of Oh Il-nam, the seemingly frail but ultimately pivotal Player 001, resonated with millions worldwide. His character's complex relationship with the protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, and the shocking final reveal cemented him as an unforgettable figure in television history.

The role earned him a historic accolade at the 79th Golden Globe Awards in 2022. He won the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role on Television.

This achievement was monumental, as O Yeong-su became the first South Korean actor to ever win a Golden Globe in an acting category. His victory was a watershed moment, further solidifying the global dominance of South Korean culture following the success of *Parasite* and K-pop.

What’s Next for the Veteran Actor?

With the November 2024 acquittal, O Yeong-su is now able to fully focus on the final chapters of his creative life. The legal cloud that had overshadowed his recent global fame has been lifted, and the industry will be watching closely to see if he returns to the screen or the stage.

His legacy is secure, built on a foundation of six decades in the theater and capped by a historic, record-breaking performance in *Squid Game*. While the legal complexities have added a layer of controversy, the Suwon District Court's final ruling emphasizes the principle of innocence and allows his profound artistic contributions to once again take center stage. For fans of his work, the hope is that the veteran actor will continue to share his immense talent with the world, whether through a return to the National Theater Company, a new film role, or perhaps even a surprise appearance in the highly anticipated *Squid Game* Season 2, though his character's arc is complete.

O Yeong-su remains a powerful symbol of the late-career breakthrough and the enduring impact of South Korean dramatic arts on the global stage. His story serves as a reminder that a lifetime of dedication can lead to global recognition at any age.