The 81-year-old actor Oh Yon Su was acquitted by a South Korean court of charges of sexual harassment.
According to media reports, the accusations related to events in 2022: two allegedly sexual harassment incidents, including embraces and a kiss on the cheek without the victim’s consent. In 2024 Yon Su was found guilty and sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment with a suspended sentence, but he said he would appeal the verdict.
On Tuesday the court ruled to overturn the verdict, noting that the man had completed courses on issues of sexual violence.
In a statement released by local sources, the Suwon District Court also expressed doubts about whether he committed violence.
“doubts”
– Suwon District Court
The statement’s content underscores that there is a possibility that the victim’s memory has distorted over time, and when there are doubts… the accused should be given the benefit of the doubt.
“There is a possibility that the victim’s memory has become distorted over time, and when there are doubts… the accused should be given the benefit of the doubt”
– Suwon District Court
However, the statement also noted that Oh Yon Su could have committed violence, as he apologized to the victim.
Below it is noted that the incidents could have occurred in 2017, when Oh Yon Su was in a rural area, preparing for a theatrical production. The victim filed a complaint in 2021, but the case was closed in April of the same year. After this, the prosecutor’s office revived the investigation at the victim’s request; subsequently the complainant spoke out against the verdict, stating that the truth should not be hidden.
“Despite today’s decision, I will continue to tell the truth to the very end”
– The victim
Women from the women’s rights organization Womenlink voiced a critical stance on the decision, noting that it again hides the problem of sexual violence in the theater world.
After the decision was made Oh Yon Su addressed journalists with words of thanks: “grateful to the court for the wise decision.”
“grateful to the court for the wise decision”
– Oh Yon Su
Overall, the actor gained international recognition after roles in popular series, notably earning worldwide acclaim for his involvement in a renowned project and awards in the film industry.
