Emmy Awards: Lee Jung-jae makes history with win | Entertainment

Lee Jung-jae made history with his Emmy Awards win on Monday (12.09.22).

The ‘Squid Game’ actor became the first South Korean actor, and the first actor of Asian descent, to win the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series thanks to his role in the Netflix series, which saw him beat out the likes of ‘Succession’s Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong, Jason Bateman, (‘Ozark’), Bob Odenkirk (‘Better Call Saul’), and Adam Scott (‘Severance’) to take the honour.

Taking to the stage at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater to accept the award, Lee said: “Thank you so much thank you so much. First, I would like to thank God above. Thank you to The Television Academy.

“Thank you to Netflix and thank you to the director for making realistic problems we all face come to life so creatively on the screen with a great script and amazing visuals. Thank you. Thank you, ‘Squid Game’ team.”

The 49-year-old star ended his speech by thanking fans back in his native Korea.

He added: “Thank you to everyone watching in Korea. Thank you.”

The evening also saw Hwang Dong-hyuk take home the Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series accolade.

The survival drama previously won four honours at the Creative Arts Emmys earlier this month, notable for Lee Yoo-mi for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.