'Squid Game' Sets Record with Third Critics Choice Win in the US... Establishes Its 'Dynasty'

Another Trophy After Seasons 1 and 2
From Fleeting Trend to Global Classic

Netflix 'Squid Game' Still Cut

The Netflix series 'Squid Game' has once again captured the hearts of American critics. Going beyond a simple phenomenon, it has now proven itself as a 'constant' in American popular culture.

On January 4 (local time), 'Squid Game' won the Best Foreign Language Series in the TV category at the 31st Critics Choice Awards held in Santa Monica, California. It earned the honor by surpassing strong contenders such as 'Acapulco' and 'Last Samurai Standing'.

This latest win marks the third trophy for 'Squid Game' at the Critics Choice Awards. In 2022, with Season 1, it became the first Korean drama to win an award at this event and also took home Best Actor (Lee Jungjae) at the same time. Last year, Season 2 claimed the title once again. With this year's win, it has set a new milestone as the first non-English drama to win three times at the Critics Choice Awards.

Local critics interpret the dominance of 'Squid Game' as evidence that, beyond breaking language barriers, its narrative about capitalist class society has deeply taken root in American society. The Critics Choice Awards, comprising about 600 critics and journalists from the United States and Canada, is regarded as one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in North America, alongside the Golden Globes and the Emmy Awards. Being selected three times at such a venue means that this work is no longer seen as an 'exotic foreign drama' but is now recognized as a 'proven masterpiece'.

Netflix 'Squid Game' Still Cut

Meanwhile, regardless of the results, this year's ceremony served as an occasion to confirm the genre expansion of K-content. Director Park Chanwook's new film 'No Other Choice' was nominated for both Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Foreign Language Film. Although the Best Foreign Language Film award went to 'Secret Agent', it reaffirmed the American critics' enduring trust in the renowned Korean director. 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', produced by Sony Pictures Animation, was also nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (Golden), showcasing the explosive growth of the 'K-genre' across drama, film, and animation.

The results for Director Park Chanwook's Adapted Screenplay nomination and the animation category will be announced later in the ceremony.