The Court Of Controversy: 3 Shocking Legal Battles Rocking The Squid Game Universe

The global phenomenon of Squid Game has transcended television, moving from a fictional death game to the real-life arena of the courtroom. As of late 2024, the hit Netflix series and its stars are embroiled in significant legal controversies, ranging from high-profile plagiarism claims against the show itself to a stunning criminal case reversal for one of its most beloved actors.

This deep dive explores the most recent and pressing legal developments surrounding the show, providing the freshest updates on the intellectual property disputes and the personal court battles that have captivated global media attention, proving that for the Squid Game universe, the drama often extends far beyond the screen.

Player 001's Legal Rollercoaster: The O Yeong-su Acquittal

The actor who brought the seemingly benign, yet ultimately sinister, Player 001 (Oh Il-nam, or 'Gganbu') to life has been the subject of an intense, years-long legal battle in South Korea. The case involving veteran actor O Yeong-su has seen dramatic reversals in 2024, highlighting the complex legal landscape surrounding global celebrity.

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O Yeong-su: Biography and Career Profile

• Full Name: O Se-kang (Stage Name: O Yeong-su)
• Date of Birth: October 19, 1944
• Age: 81 (as of late 2025)
• Nationality: South Korean
• Primary Career: Actor (Theater, Film, and Television)
• Debut: Began acting on stage in 1967, appearing in over 200 theatrical productions.
• Notable Role: Oh Il-nam (Player 001) in Netflix's Squid Game (2021).
• Awards: Won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for his role in Squid Game.

The Sexual Misconduct Case Timeline and Reversal

The legal saga began with allegations of sexual misconduct stemming from a 2017 incident. The case gained international prominence due to his sudden global fame following the success of the Netflix series. The proceedings have seen multiple, conflicting verdicts over the past year.

In March 2024, the Suwon District Court initially convicted O Yeong-su on two counts of sexual harassment, imposing an eight-month suspended prison sentence.

However, in a significant development reported in November 2024, the actor won his appeal. The Suwon District Court overturned the previous guilty verdict, officially acquitting the 81-year-old actor of all sexual misconduct charges. This acquittal reversed the earlier conviction, marking a massive legal victory for the veteran star.

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The case remains a powerful example of the intense scrutiny and legal challenges that can follow sudden, massive international fame, particularly for actors from the Korean entertainment industry.

The Blatant Rip-Off: Netflix Faces Plagiarism Lawsuit

The central premise of Squid Game—a high-stakes, deadly competition for a massive cash prize—has long been compared to other works. However, in 2024, these comparisons escalated into a major federal lawsuit that targets Netflix and the show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk.

The 'Luck' vs. 'Squid Game' Intellectual Property Battle

In a lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York, Indian filmmaker Soham Shah alleges that Squid Game is a "blatant rip-off" of his 2009 Hindi-language film, Luck.

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Shah’s legal team claims that the core elements of the Netflix series—including the concept of desperate individuals competing in a series of deadly games for financial gain—are directly copied from his earlier work. The lawsuit names both Netflix, Inc. and Netflix Worldwide Entertainment, LLC, as well as director Hwang Dong-hyuk.

The legal filing details several alleged similarities, positioning the case as a major intellectual property dispute. While Netflix has denied the plagiarism allegations, the lawsuit adds significant legal pressure on the streaming giant as it gears up for the highly anticipated second season. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for international copyright law regarding streaming content.

Other Legal Entities and Controversies Surrounding the Cast

The legal issues surrounding Squid Game are not limited to the show's creative origins or its oldest star. Several other cast members and production figures have faced their own legal controversies, further cementing the show's reputation for on- and off-screen drama.

Lee Jung-Jae's Production Dispute

Lee Jung-Jae, the lead actor who plays Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), has also been involved in a recent high-profile legal dispute. In 2024, the actor faced a legal battle with the CEO of RaemongRaein, a drama production company he acquired.

The dispute involved allegations and counter-allegations regarding the management and acquisition of the production company, demonstrating that even the show’s protagonist is not immune to the complexities of corporate and legal entanglement in the entertainment world.

The Broader Legal Landscape of 'Squid Game'

The sheer number of legal challenges—from plagiarism claims and personal criminal charges to production company disputes—reflects the massive cultural and financial impact of Squid Game. The show has become a magnet for legal action, forcing the courts to weigh in on issues of intellectual property, celebrity conduct, and the business of global streaming.

These ongoing legal battles, which have dominated headlines in 2024, serve as a stark reminder that the game of survival and consequence continues long after the final credits roll. The 'court' of public opinion and the actual courts of law are now major stages for the Squid Game narrative, with the outcomes potentially influencing the show’s legacy and the future of its cast and crew.