Oh Young Soo, the acclaimed actor from the hit Netflix series “Squid Game,” has been convicted of sexual misconduct, marking a significant downturn in the veteran actor’s career. Known for his memorable portrayal of Oh Il Nam in the survival-thriller.

Oh has faced allegations stemming from an incident in 2017 where he was accused of forcibly kissing and groping a woman. The complaint, filed in December 2021, led to a prolonged legal battle that concluded on March 15, 2024, with a South Korean court finding him guilty of indecent assault.

Throughout the trial, Oh vehemently denied all accusations against him, maintaining his innocence and claiming his actions were misunderstood gestures of guidance. Despite his defense, the court in Seongnan, Seoul, handed down a sentence that includes an eight-month prison term, suspended for two years, and mandated participation in a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program. This decision reflects the seriousness with which the court views offenses of this nature, aiming to both penalize and rehabilitate the offender.

The repercussions of this case extend beyond the courtroom, affecting Oh’s career trajectory significantly. Following the allegations, he was excluded from future casting opportunities, with his involvement in an anticipated South Korean film being revoked due to the controversy. Furthermore, the legal outcome has led to his removal from the upcoming season of “Squid Game,” a series that had previously earned him widespread acclaim and recognition.

Prosecutors, who had advocated for a stricter one-year imprisonment along with an indefinite employment ban, have seen their case result in a significant, albeit lesser, conviction. The case not only highlights the challenges and complexities involved in prosecuting sexual misconduct but also underscores the entertainment industry’s increasingly stringent stance on ethical and legal violations by its figures.