81-year-old actor Oh Yeong-Su, known for ‘Squid Game,’ has been cleared of sex-related charges.

The prominent actor Oh Yeong-Su, known for his Golden Globe-winning role in the acclaimed Netflix series “Squid Game,” has had his sexual misconduct conviction overturned by the Suwon District Appellate Court in South Korea. This decision marks a significant development in a high-profile case that has garnered considerable attention.

At 81 years old, Oh Yeong-Su was initially convicted of sexual misconduct in March of the previous year. The allegations stemmed from an incident during a regional theater tour in 2017, where it was claimed that he had hugged and kissed a fellow actress without her consent. Following this ruling, he received an eight-month suspended sentence alongside a mandate to complete 40 hours of sexual violence education.

Despite the conviction, Oh consistently denied the allegations against him and formally appealed the decision. The appellate court’s ruling, released earlier this week, took into account OH’s completion of the court-ordered treatment program. Furthermore, the court expressed skepticism about the victim’s testimony, suggesting that the recollection of events may have been altered over time. The judges asserted that in the presence of reasonable doubt, the defendant is entitled to the benefit of that doubt.

While the court acknowledged the possibility that Oh may have committed an act of assault—highlighted by his prior apology to the alleged victim—this did not preclude the overturning of the conviction. The victim has expressed her distress regarding the appellate court’s decision. She stated that the ruling does not diminish her experience or the pain she has endured. Through a statement facilitated by Women’s Link Worldwide, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights, she voiced her commitment to continuing her advocacy for the truth.

The organization has publicly condemned the court’s decision, characterizing it as an aggravating factor in the ongoing concealment of sexual violence within the arts community. Their outrage reflects broader concerns about how similar cases are handled and the implications for victims of misconduct.

Following the appellate court’s ruling, Oh shared his appreciation for the decision, describing it as a just outcome. Notably, Oh Yeong-Su made history in 2022 as the first Korean actor to receive a Golden Globe, winning for his performance in “Squid Game.” This recent legal development adds a complex layer to his public persona, intertwining his celebrated career with serious allegations and now an overturned conviction. The case continues to resonate within discussions about sexual violence and accountability in the performing arts.