Squid Game fame Oh Dal-Su opens up about sexual misconduct allegations and career fallout, says 'I cannot accept being called a rapist'

Oh Dal-Su tals about being called a rapist

• Oh Dal-Su denies rape, admits past sexual harassment
• He apologizes to women hurt by his actions in his twenties
• Cleared of charges in 2019, Oh Dal-Su returned in Squid Game 2

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South Korean actor Oh Dal-Su has opened up once again about the sexual misconduct allegations that emerged against him during the height of the #MeToo movement, saying he cannot accept being labelled a rapist.

Although Oh Dal-Su was cleared of charges in 2019, the controversy significantly altered the course of his life and career.

The accusations first surfaced in February 2018, when a woman alleged that Oh Dal-Su had abused her in the 1990s, during his early theatre days. He initially denied the claims.

However, after additional allegations came forward — including one by actress Uhm Ji-Young on JTBC’s Newsroom regarding an alleged 2003 incident — Oh Dal-Su admitted to sexual harassment and publicly apologised to the women involved.

Looking back in a recent interview with Edaily, Oh Dal-Su described that period as confusing and deeply unsettling. He explained that being publicly named during the intense climate of the #MeToo movement left him fearful that anything he said could be misinterpreted.

“I believe that, regardless of the situation, it is right to present a clear, accurate, and prompt position. However, when I suddenly became the subject of the Me Too movement, it was very confusing. I was afraid that even a single word spoken carelessly might be reported prematurely. I would like to once again apologise to the two women. However, I am not a rapist or a sexual offender. I have not lived that way. If there were women who were hurt in relationships with me during my immature twenties, I want to apologize for that alone and reproach my younger self. But I cannot accept living my entire life labeled a “rapist" based on the words of those two individuals," Oh said.

Oh Dal-Su acknowledged that relationships in the past may have caused hurt, but maintained that he does not consider himself guilty of rape or sexual assault.

He added, “I believe that when a man and a woman engage in a sexual relationship, their intentions may not always completely align. The greater that difference is, the more it can be considered sexual assault. If a woman who was in a relationship with me remembers that experience as painful, then I believe it is right to apologize first, without hesitation."

Also Read: Squid Game seasons 1,2,3: Twists, themes, and the evolution of the Netflix series from survival thriller to global allegory

After the allegations, Oh Dal-Su stepped away from acting and reportedly lived quietly on Geoje Island, even taking up farming. Authorities later closed the case without a formal investigation, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations.

Oh Dal-Su returned to screens with Squid Game Season 2, portraying Captain Park. While debate around his comeback continues, Oh Dal-Su remains firm in denying rape allegations, while expressing regret for what he calls the immaturity of his younger years.