Actor Oh Young Soo, best known for his role in Squid Game, is still denying the charges against him in the ongoing appeal of his forcible molestation case.
The actor, who was accused of molesting a female theater troupe member in 2017, continues to fight the accusations despite the prosecution's request for a one-year prison sentence.
During the appeal hearing on April 3rd at the Suwon District Court, the prosecution argued that Oh had not been forgiven by the victim. They emphasized that he was still denying the charges, calling the victim's claims false.
The prosecution insisted on a heavy sentence, stating that Oh, a veteran actor with over 50 years of experience, sexually assaulted a powerless trainee, leaving her to live in constant fear, including at her workplace.
In his final defense statement, Oh’s lawyer questioned the victim’s testimony, calling it inconsistent and contradictory.
The defense argued that the guilty verdict in the first trial was largely due to an apology message Oh sent to the victim after the success of Squid Game.
According to the defense, the victim asked for an apology unexpectedly, and Oh made it to prevent harm to the show's producers and cast.
Oh himself also spoke in court, expressing deep regret over the situation. “I feel ashamed to be standing in court at this age", he said.
"If my actions were wrong and considered a crime, I will accept the consequences. However, I still believe that what I did cannot be considered molestation”.
He added, “My 80 years of life have collapsed. It’s overwhelming. Please let me return to my place".
The victim’s lawyer responded, saying that the defendant had only caused more harm by claiming his actions were out of "fatherly feelings" and had shown no sincere remorse.
They urged the court to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future, especially in the theater industry.
Oh was charged with forcibly molesting the victim twice in 2017, once on a walking path when he hugged her, and again when he kissed her on the cheek in front of her home.
Despite denying the accusations, the first trial found him guilty, sentencing him to eight months in prison with two years of probation.
Both the prosecution and defense have filed appeals, with the prosecution seeking a longer sentence and the defense challenging the facts and the original sentence.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 3rd, where the court will continue to deliberate on the case.
Source: [1]
