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| Netflix's "Squid Game" team poses during a press conference to celebrate the series' Emmy wins, held at a hotel in central Seoul, Friday. They are, from left, VFX supervisor Cheong Jai-hoon, production designer Chae Kyung-sun, actress Lee You-mi, director Hwang Dong-Hyuk, production company Siren Pictures CEO Kim Ji-Yeon, and stunt performers Lee Tae-young, Kim Cha-i and Shim Sang-min. Yonhap |
By Lee Gyu-lee
Netflix's biggest hit series "Squid Game" may not have been the biggest winner of this year's Primetime Emmy Awards, yet it comes as a major milestone in the awards' history, clinching wins as a non-English series for the first time.
"Saturday marks exactly one year since 'Squid Game' was released to the world. And I feel pleased and honored to have such a meaningful opportunity with these trophies, staff and actors. I will remember the journey of this past year for the rest of my life," series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk said during a press conference to celebrate the series' Emmy wins, held at a hotel in central Seoul, Friday.
During the 74th awards ceremony on Sept. 12 (local time), the nine-part thriller series made history, winning a total of six accolades out of the 14 nominations it received.
The trophies it won are Outstanding Lead Actor for Lee Jung-jae, Outstanding Directing for Hwang, Outstanding Guest Actress for Lee You-mi, Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More), Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Single Episode and Outstanding Stunt Performance.
Lee Jung-jae, the first Korean and Asian actor to win Outstanding Lead Actor, was abroad attending the Toronto International Film Festival at the time of the press conference, but took time out to share a video message expressing that it still feels surreal to have been bestowed with the honor.
"In that short moment, I kept asking if they were calling my name. It still feels surreal but a lot of my colleagues from Korea have been sending me messages congratulating me. And as I text them back, I'm starting to grasp it a little," he said.
"The most important thing here is that Korean content is being loved and brought to the table for global audiences. I hope there will be further content like 'Squid Game' that could allow us to connect with people around the world."
Lee You-mi, who is also the first Korean and Asian to win Best Guest Actress, said that the series and her win have encouraged her to pursue her acting career.
"Thanks to 'Squid Game,' I came to feel that I can take more diverse paths as an actor and work up my courage a little more," she said.
The smash-hit series has left many anticipating the follow-up season, after leaving viewers with a cliffhanger.
The director shared that the second season will probably come out in 2024, adding that he is in the process of scriptwriting.
"Season 2's filming will probably take place next year and would come out a year after that. It will take about two years," he said. "I've decided on the games (for season 2) but since I'm still writing the script, I can't share. The most fun part of 'Squid Game' is the moment you meet each game as if you've become one of the participants. So any spoilers will ruin the biggest part of that fun."
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