Actor Oh Dal-su, known internationally for his role in the hit Netflix series “Squid Game,” has publicly addressed allegations of sexual misconduct made against him, stating he cannot accept being labeled a rapist. The actor made these remarks during a press conference held in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, marking his first direct public response to the long-standing accusations.
Background of the Allegations
The allegations against Oh Dal-su first surfaced in 2018. At that time, a woman accused the actor of sexual assault, claiming the incident occurred in 2017. The case was initially investigated by prosecutors, who ultimately decided not to indict Oh due to a lack of evidence and conflicting statements. Despite the legal closure, the controversy has persisted in the public sphere, impacting the actor’s career and public image.
Oh Dal-su is a veteran character actor in South Korea with a career spanning decades. He gained global recognition for his portrayal of Captain Park Yeong-gil, a key game staff member, in the first season of “Squid Game.” The show’s unprecedented success brought increased international scrutiny to its cast, including Oh.
The Actor’s Public Statement
During the press conference, Oh Dal-su acknowledged the suffering caused by the situation but firmly denied the criminal allegations. “I have never committed such a disgraceful act as sexual violence,” he stated. He expressed deep frustration with the persistent public perception, emphasizing that the legal investigation had concluded without charges.
“I cannot accept being called a rapist,” Oh said. He apologized for causing concern to his fans, colleagues, and family but maintained his innocence regarding the specific accusations of assault. The actor described the past several years as a period of immense personal and professional difficulty.
Industry and Public Reaction
The allegations have had a tangible effect on Oh Dal-su’s work. Following the initial reports in 2018, he was dropped from several scheduled film projects and advertising campaigns. His involvement in “Squid Game,” which filmed in 2020 and 2021, already occurred under the cloud of these allegations.
Public reaction in South Korea has been divided. Some online communities and commentators continue to express skepticism and condemn the actor, while others argue that the legal outcome should be respected. The case touches on broader, ongoing conversations in the country about sexual misconduct, the power dynamics in the entertainment industry, and the court of public opinion.
Legal Context and Next Steps
South Korean prosecutors officially closed the case against Oh Dal-su in 2019. Without new evidence or a formal complaint, the legal matter is considered resolved. Oh’s decision to hold a press conference appears aimed at addressing the court of public opinion directly, rather than reopening legal proceedings.
Moving forward, the actor’s statements are likely to be scrutinized by media and the public alike. The key development will be whether this public denial influences his casting in future projects within the South Korean entertainment industry and internationally. No further legal action is currently anticipated unless new information is presented to authorities.
Source: Mashable
