Veteran 'Squid Game' Actor Cleared of Sexual Misconduct Charges

In a surprising turn of events, a veteran actor known for his acclaimed performance in the global hit series 'Squid Game' has been acquitted in an appellate court. The actor, who played the memorable 'Gganbu' character, had previously received a suspended prison sentence for alleged sexual misconduct involving a female trainee in 2017.

However, the Suwon District Court has now overturned the original sentence, citing reasonable doubt about the charges brought against the octogenarian actor. The court examined the timeline and evidence, noting that the victim had reported the alleged assault six months after the incident and confided in close colleagues following consultation with a sexual violence counseling center.

Although the actor had apologized after receiving a message demanding an apology, the court expressed doubts about the reliability of memory over time, ruling that any uncertainty must be resolved in favor of the defendant. The allegations involved the actor hugging the trainee on a walking path and kissing her on the cheek outside her residence.

Despite the acquittal, the case has sparked extensive public debate on the balance between justice and the challenges of evaluating allegations years after the fact. The victim's legal representatives have criticized the verdict, arguing that it reinforces harmful structures and fails to consider the social implications of the ruling.