"This Is a Miracle" 'Squid Game' Wins at the US Gotham Awards

Korean Drama's First "Number One Show, Takes Less Than 12 Days"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk's 'Ojingeo Game' became the first Korean drama to receive an award at an American independent film ceremony. On the 29th of last month (local time), it won the trophy in the 'Breakthrough Series Long Format over 40 minutes' category at the Gotham Awards held on Wall Street in New York, USA. It outshone notable dramas such as 'The Good Lord Bird,' 'It's a Sin,' 'Small Axe,' 'The Underground Railroad,' and 'The White Lotus.'

Taking the stage, Director Hwang said, "When I first wrote this script in 2009, no one liked it. They said it was unrealistic and strange," adding, "It took 12 years to create this show and present it to people." He continued, "It took less than 12 days to become the number one show on Earth," and said, "This is a miracle. Thank you for watching and loving 'Ojingeo Game.'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He shared the joy with Kim Ji-yeon, CEO of Siren Pictures and producer of 'Ojingeo Game,' along with actors Lee Jung-jae and Jung Ho-yeon. CEO Kim said, "The most miraculous thing that happened after the release of 'Ojingeo Game' was the worldwide support shown for a small show in Korean," and added, "I want to express the greatest gratitude to fans around the world." 'Ojingeo Game' was watched by over 142 million households. Thanks to its global popularity, it is also being considered as a nominee for the Emmy Awards, the most prestigious local ceremony.

Lee Jung-jae, who was nominated for Outstanding Performance in a New Series, did not win. He lost to Tosu Mdebu of 'The Underground Railroad' and Ethan Hawke of 'The Good Lord Bird.' Jung Ho-yeon appeared on stage as the presenter for the Breakthrough Nonfiction Series award.