SEONGNAM – On Friday, prosecutors called for a one-year prison term for O Yeong-su, acclaimed for his performance in the Netflix series "Squid Game," on allegations of sexual harassment dating back to 2017.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 79-year-old actor was indicted last November following accusations of unwelcome physical advances towards a woman during a regional theater tour.
O is specifically accused of hugging and kissing the complainant on the cheek without her consent, incidents alleged to have occurred between August and September 2017. During the latest court hearing, the prosecution also recommended that O's personal details be made public and proposed restrictions on his future engagements with children and adolescent institutions.
Throughout the legal process, O has steadfastly denied all allegations against him. The actor, whose career reached a global audience with his portrayal of a deceptively benevolent businessman in "Squid Game," expressed profound distress over the charges. "Standing trial for things like this at this age, I am in such pain and agony... I feel my whole life is falling apart," O remarked during his final statement to the court.
O's accolades include winning the Golden Globe Award in 2022 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role on TV, a testament to his significant impact on audiences worldwide through his role in the critically acclaimed series.
The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on March 15, concluding a case that has cast a shadow over the veteran actor's celebrated career.