O Yeong-su
Biography
O Yeong-su is a South Korean actor born on October 19, 1944, in Kaepung County, in what is now North Korea. He is primarily known as a stage actor, having spent decades performing in Korean theater, particularly in traditional Korean performances and modern drama.
O achieved unexpected global fame at the age of 77 for his role as Oh Il-nam (Player 001), the elderly and seemingly frail participant in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021-present). His warm, grandfatherly performance concealed a major plot twist that shocked audiences worldwide. The role earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series in 2022, making him the first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe.
Before Squid Game, O had a distinguished but primarily domestic career in Korean theater and film, with over 200 stage productions. His film credits include Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003) directed by Kim Ki-duk, and A Man Who Was Superman (2008). His Squid Game performance introduced Korean theatrical traditions to a global audience.
Known For
Other Notable Roles
- Old Monk in Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003)
- Extensive Korean theater career spanning 50+ years
Awards & Recognition
- 🏆 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series (Squid Game, 2022) - first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe
Frequently Asked Questions
O Yeong-su is best known globally for playing Oh Il-nam (Player 001) in Squid Game (2021).
He became the first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe, winning Best Supporting Actor in a Series for Squid Game in 2022.
He was 77 years old when Squid Game premiered in September 2021.