The Korean survival drama Squid Game suddenly became a global phenomenon when it first aired on Netflix in 2021.
At the end of last year, Squid Game 2 continued to record impressive achievements. And currently, this hit series is preparing to release season 3 on June 27.
Recently, director and screenwriter Hwang Dong Hyuk of Squid Game won another film award. The Korean director was honored to receive the Creative Honors Award at the gotham Television Awards 2025, held in New York, USA.
At the event, director Hwang Dong Hyuk shared about the difficulties in bringing Squid Game to the audience. He surprisingly alluded to those who initially doubted the script of the series.
Director Hwang began his speech by expressing his feelings when recalling his first win at the same award in 2021: It felt like miracles kept happening.
At that time, I said, All this is like a miracle. And now, 4 years later, being able to return here again is also a miracle.
This trophy is not flashy, but its primitive shape has profound meaning. It is like a reminder, don't be complacent with success but move forward with a sense of responsibility."
After that, he did not forget to thank Netflix's staff, cast and his mother. Notably, the director suddenly said, I also want to thank everyone who rejected the Squid Game script in 2009. Without those denials, today's Squid Game would not have come true.
According to the media, director Hwang's statement can be understood as a slight trachtage for those who doubt the potential of the film.
On the other hand, this can also be understood as a sincere expressed gratitude to those who created motivation to motivate him to re-work and improve the script in the best way.
Lee Jung Jae - the male lead of Squid Game - also attended the event as the announcer. The actor expressed his respect and thanks to director Hwang Dong Hyuk.
He shared: "Director Hwang is a creative storyteller who changes the landscape of global television. He showed the world the power of bold storytelling."
Meanwhile, Squid Game 3 has released the official trailer and is scheduled to be released on Netflix on June 27.
