"We've Waited for This Day!": Stars Join Voting Authentication Relay
Hong Jin-kyung Apologizes for Political Color Controversy: "Didn't Consider Shirt Color"
As One to Release New Single on June 2nd, Remaking a Verbal Jint Song
"Unprecedented, 'Clear-Eyed Madness' Action"... Cha Hak-yeon's First Appearance as 'No Mu-jin'
"The Kidnapping Day" to Be Remade in Japan, Premiering July 8th on TV Asahi
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has received a Career Tribute Award at the Gotham Awards in the United States.
The 2025 Gotham Television Awards were held on June 3rd at Cipriani Wall Street in New York, with 'Squid Game' director Hwang Dong-hyuk and actor Lee Jung-jae in attendance.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk was presented with the Career Tribute Award. This award is given to creators who have expanded the horizons of television and made a significant impact. Lee Jung-jae presented the award and offered a tribute.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk recalled, "The Gotham Awards was the very first awards ceremony I attended with 'Squid Game.' I won 'Breakthrough Series - Long Form' right here in New York in 2021."
He continued, "It was truly astonishing. I remember saying at the time, 'All of this is a miracle.' Four years later, I stand here again, holding this glorious trophy. I believe that miracle is still continuing."
He then expressed gratitude to "everyone who rejected 'Squid Game' back in 2009. If even one person had accepted it then, the show as we know it today wouldn't exist."
Hwang also credited his staff, stating, "Thank you to everyone who supported and believed in my vision. And thank you to the cast and crew who were with me from Season 1 to 3."
Director Hwang specifically thanked Lee Jung-jae, who played Seong Gi-hun, player 456. "Although you didn't succeed in saving the other participants, you saved this show," he said, expressing his heartfelt appreciation.
He also extended his regards to producer Kim Ji-yeon. "I met her 10 years ago while working on the film 'The Fortress.' I poured everything into that movie. I thought I had made the best film of my life. Sadly, it failed commercially," he revealed.
At that time, an organization contacted him, wishing to give him a special award. Director Hwang recounted, "When I asked what kind of award it was, they said it was for 'a film that achieved everything except commercial success.' I was truly angry. It felt like they were mocking me and my film."
He resolved never to attend the awards ceremony. However, producer Kim Ji-yeon said, "That means our film deserves more recognition," and elegantly dressed up to accept the award on Hwang's behalf.
Hwang Dong-hyuk added, "Her optimism always invigorates those around her. She gave me a lot of energy throughout our time together. She's the one who pushed me to go further."
Finally, he concluded his speech by saying, "This award is incredibly heavy and solid. It seems to tell me not to be blinded by the splendor of successful achievements, but to carry the weight of responsibility as I move to the next stage. I will keep that in mind and move forward."
Meanwhile, 'Squid Game' is set to release its third season on July 27th, bringing the series to a close.
0 Comments
This space aims to broaden the debate on the subject addressed in the news, democratically and respectfully. Comments that violate laws and ethical and moral principles or that promote illegal or criminal activities will not be accepted. Therefore, slanderous, defamatory, prejudiced, offensive, aggressive comments, those that use foul language, incite violence, express hate speech or contain links will be summarily deleted.