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The Golden Globe Winner's Journey: O Yeong-su's Complete List Of Movies And TV Shows And His Latest Legal Status

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O Yeong-su's career trajectory is one of the most remarkable stories in modern Korean cinema, a testament to decades of dedication that culminated in global superstardom late in life. Before his iconic role as the elderly participant Oh Il-nam in the 2021 Netflix phenomenon Squid Game, the veteran actor had already built an illustrious career spanning over 50 years, primarily in theater and on Korean television. This article, updated in December 2025, provides a comprehensive look at his most significant movies and TV shows, detailing the breadth of his work that established his 'Gganbu Grandfather' status in the industry, alongside the most current information regarding his sensitive legal situation, which remains a key focus of public interest.

The sudden, late-career fame from Squid Game led to O Yeong-su becoming the first South Korean actor to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film in 2022. This historic achievement brought unprecedented attention to his entire body of work, from his foundational roles in classic Korean cinema to his extensive theatrical performances. However, this global spotlight has been tempered by legal challenges that have dominated recent headlines, making the distinction between his artistic legacy and personal life a complex public discussion.

O Yeong-su: Biography and Career Profile

O Yeong-su, born O Se-kang, is one of South Korea's most respected and enduring performers. His career is a masterclass in the slow, meticulous building of a stage and screen presence.

  • Birth Name: O Se-kang (오세강)
  • Date of Birth: October 19, 1944
  • Place of Birth: Kaesong, Gyeonggi Province, Korea (now North Korea)
  • Nationality: South Korean
  • Career Start: 1967 (Theatre)
  • Primary Medium: Theatre (over 200 productions)
  • Notable Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (2022, for Squid Game)
  • Career Highlight: Member of the National Theater Company of Korea from 1987 until 2010.
  • Global Recognition: Achieved worldwide fame at age 77 with Squid Game.

His early work was heavily focused on the stage, where he developed a reputation as a powerhouse theatrical actor. This deep foundation in performance is often cited as the root of his compelling screen presence, characterized by subtlety and emotional depth.

A Deep Dive into O Yeong-su's Most Notable Movies and TV Shows

While Squid Game is the role that defined his international career, O Yeong-su’s filmography showcases a versatile actor who often gravitated toward roles of quiet wisdom, authority, or spiritual guidance. His work before 2021 is essential for understanding his full artistic range.

The Breakthrough Film: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003)

For many cinephiles, O Yeong-su is best known for his role as The Old Monk in Kim Ki-duk's critically acclaimed film, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring.

  • Role: The Old Monk
  • Director: Kim Ki-duk
  • Significance: This film is a meditative, visually stunning masterpiece that follows the life of a Buddhist monk through the four seasons. O Yeong-su’s performance is central, embodying the patient, cyclical nature of life and spiritual discipline. It is widely considered one of the best Korean films of the 21st century.

The Global Phenomenon: Squid Game (2021)

As Oh Il-nam, Player 001, O Yeong-su captured the world's attention. His character, the seemingly frail "Gganbu Grandfather," provided the emotional core and the most shocking twist of the series.

  • Role: Oh Il-nam (Player 001)
  • Significance: The role earned him the Golden Globe, cementing his status as a global star. The character's complex relationship with the protagonist, Gi-hun, and his eventual reveal as the game's mastermind, is a high-water mark of his screen career.

Key Television and Film Roles Before Fame

O Yeong-su's television career began decades before Netflix, with his debut on the small screen in the 1981 historical Korean drama, The First Republic.

His roles often featured him as a dignified, historical, or religious figure:

  • God of War (TV Series, 2012): He played Monk Soo-gi, demonstrating his continued connection to roles of spiritual authority.
  • Queen Seondeok (TV Series, 2009): A historical drama that showcased his ability to handle large, complex ensemble casts.
  • Chocolate (TV Series, 2019): He made a memorable cameo as Mr. Kim in Episode 5, a role that briefly brought him back to the small screen before his massive breakout.
  • The Sea Village (Film, 1965): Though he began acting in 1963, this is often cited as his earliest film appearance, showcasing his commitment to the craft from a young age.

The Latest Legal Status: Acquittal and Subsequent Appeal (December 2025 Update)

The professional triumph of O Yeong-su’s late-career surge was unfortunately overshadowed by a sensitive legal case involving allegations of indecent assault. For an article to be truly current and unique, it must address the most recent developments in this ongoing saga.

The Initial Conviction and Sentence: In March 2024, a lower court found O Yeong-su guilty of two counts of sexual harassment, sentencing him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.

The Appeal and Acquittal: In a significant reversal, the Suwon District Court, acting as an appellate court, later acquitted O Yeong-su of all charges. The court overturned the lower court's ruling, finding him not guilty.

Current Status (As of December 2025): While the appellate court's verdict was an acquittal, the legal proceedings are not yet closed. The prosecution has reportedly filed an appeal against the not-guilty verdict, pushing the case to the Supreme Court for a final ruling.

This ongoing legal battle means that while the most recent verdict is an acquittal, the actor's legal status remains in a state of flux pending the final decision of South Korea's highest court. The case has cast a shadow over his career, leading to public debate about the separation of an artist's personal conduct from their professional legacy.

The Undeniable Legacy of a Theatre Veteran

Regardless of the final outcome of his legal challenges, O Yeong-su's contribution to Korean performing arts is immense. His career is a powerful reminder that true mastery often takes decades to achieve and that fame can arrive at any age.

His profound dedication to the stage, with over 200 theatrical productions under his belt, makes him a titan in South Korea's theatre world. This extensive experience is what allowed him to bring such a nuanced, unforgettable performance to Squid Game, a role that will forever be synonymous with his name.

From the quiet contemplation of The Old Monk to the chilling manipulation of Oh Il-nam, O Yeong-su’s filmography offers a rich tapestry of performances. Fans and critics alike continue to follow the journey of this veteran actor, a man whose life and career have taken a dramatic and unexpected turn in his late 70s.

o yeong su movies and tv shows
o yeong su movies and tv shows

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