What Makes Squid Game’s Male Cast So Disturbing?

While Netflix’s “Squid Game” has taken over the world with millions of viewers tuned in to its high-octane drama of human desperation and survival, its rising popularity has been coupled with a number of allegations and controversies regarding some of its cast members. These incidents raise questions about accountability within the industry and the ethics of celebrity culture.

O Yeong-su: Guilty of Sexual Misconduct

O Yeong-su, who played Oh Il-nam, the elderly contestant in “Squid Game,” was convicted of sexual misconduct in 2024. A district court in Seongnam, South Korea, handed him an eight-month suspended prison sentence and mandated 40 hours of sexual violence education.

The case stems from allegations by an unnamed actress who claimed that O Yeong-su had inappropriately touched her during encounters in 2017. According to Judge Jeong Yeon-ju, the court found credible evidence that O had hugged the actress, held her hand, and kissed her cheek without consent. O denied the charges and has announced plans to appeal.

This conviction shocked fans and drew criticism over the entertainment industry’s apparent leniency toward such cases. (BBC News)

Lee Jung-jae: A Troubled Past

Lee Jung-jae, who gained international fame as Seong Gi-hun, has a history marred by legal troubles. In 1999, he was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after causing a collision. His blood alcohol content was 0.22 percent, far exceeding South Korea’s legal limit of 0.05 percent. That same year, he was charged with assault after drunkenly attacking another man alongside a friend.

In 2000, Lee faced another assault charge. Allegations stated that he dragged a 22-year-old woman from a nightclub in Busan, injuring her during the incident. These incidents, though from over two decades ago, continue to cast a shadow over his career, even as his international stardom rises. (The Daily Beast)

Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P): Drug Conviction and Comeback

Choi Seung-hyun, better known as T.O.P from the K-pop group Big Bang, was recently cast in “Squid Game” Season 2 as the character Thanos. In 2017, T.O.P was convicted of marijuana use, a serious offense in South Korea. He received a 10-month suspended prison sentence, leading to a career hiatus.

T.O.P’s inclusion in the series has been controversial, with some praising his comeback and others questioning whether someone with a criminal record should represent South Korean entertainment on a global stage. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk defended the casting, citing T.O.P’s willingness to take on a role that parallels his real-life struggles. (People)

Lee Byung-hun: Legal Battles and Allegations

Lee Byung-hun, a veteran South Korean actor, has faced his share of controversies, though he is not part of “Squid Game.” In 2009, his ex-girlfriend Kwon Mi-yeon sued him, claiming he had deceived her into a sexual relationship with false promises of marriage. She also accused him of being a chronic gambler and sought 100 million won in damages.

Although Lee denied the allegations and continued his career, the lawsuit remains a blemish on his public image. (AllKPop)

Song Young-chang: Conviction for Underage Prostitution

In 2000, Song Young-chang was convicted of engaging in sexual acts with a 16-year-old girl. Reports revealed that he paid $150 for the encounters twice in a car. Song received a 10-month suspended prison sentence and two years of probation.

This conviction caused significant public outrage, and Song’s career suffered as a result. The case also reignited debates about celebrities’ accountability in criminal activities. (The Tab)

Lee Jin-wook: Accusation of Sexual Assault

In July 2016, actor Lee Jin-wook was accused of sexual assault by a 33-year-old woman. She claimed that Lee had raped her after they drank together at her apartment. Lee denied the allegations and countersued for defamation. The case was eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence, but it left a lasting impact on Lee’s career and reputation. (The Korea Times)

Ethical Questions in Entertainment

The controversies surrounding these actors raise broader ethical questions about the entertainment industry’s responsibility to hold its stars accountable. While some argue that past mistakes should not define a person’s entire career, others believe that public figures must uphold higher moral standards.

Netflix and other major platforms have yet to address the growing criticism surrounding their casting decisions, particularly when involving individuals with controversial histories. As “Squid Game” continues to dominate global conversations, these issues underscore the complexities of fame and morality in the modern entertainment landscape.

“Squid Game” may be a groundbreaking series, but the controversies surrounding its cast members highlight the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in the entertainment industry. Fans and critics alike are left questioning whether talent alone should overshadow a history of misconduct.