Hwang Dong-hyuk Wins Honorary Award at Gotham Awards for 'Squid Game'

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the acclaimed director behind the global phenomenon 'Squid Game' (오징어 게임), was honored with an honorary award at the Gotham Awards held in New York City on June 3, 2025 (KST). The Gotham Film and Media Institute, which organizes the awards, previously announced Hwang as the recipient of this prestigious accolade. The honorary award recognizes creators and artists who have significantly impacted the television landscape.

In a statement, the Gotham Awards committee expressed their admiration for Hwang, stating, "This honorary award pays tribute to Hwang Dong-hyuk, who combined robust storytelling with sharp cultural commentary to create the worldwide sensation 'Squid Game.'" The first season of 'Squid Game' had previously won the Best Long-Form Series award at the 2021 Gotham Awards.

Lee Jung-jae, the lead actor of 'Squid Game,' took the stage to present the award, saying, "It is an honor to stand here at the 2nd Gotham TV Awards, celebrating a storyteller with the imagination that has changed the landscape of global television. Hwang Dong-hyuk is an exceptional creator, writer, and director." He continued, "When 'Squid Game' premiered on Netflix on September 17, 2021, it captivated not only viewers' eyes but also their hearts, everyday conversations, and collective imagination, becoming a global phenomenon. What stands out most is the depth of Hwang's vision, which critiques inequality and explores themes of human resilience beneath the thrilling tension and unforgettable visuals."

Lee emphasized that Hwang's work was more than just a drama; it served as a mirror reflecting the current society with clarity and compassion. The first season garnered an impressive 265.2 million views worldwide. Hwang Dong-hyuk made history as the first Asian to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, proving that a Korean-language drama can resonate globally.

Reflecting on his experience working with Hwang over three seasons, Lee shared, "Every scene and line had depth, and Hwang recognized us as collaborators who shared his vision for the work. 'Squid Game' continues to captivate audiences and break records. I can't wait for everyone to see how this global phenomenon concludes in Season 3, which premieres on June 27. Today, we honor not just the success of 'Squid Game' but also the great storyteller behind it. Thank you, Hwang Dong-hyuk, for showcasing the power of bold storytelling to the world."

In his acceptance speech, Hwang expressed gratitude, recalling that the Gotham Awards was the first ceremony he attended in New York in 2021, where 'Squid Game' won the Best Series award. He humorously noted, "It felt miraculous that a script everyone rejected became a series after 12 years. Now, four years later, I stand here again with this glorious trophy, and I believe that miracle continues. Many people have shared this miraculous journey with me."

Hwang also thanked those who turned down 'Squid Game' in 2009, joking that if anyone had accepted it, the show would not exist today. He expressed appreciation for Netflix, the cast, and Lee Jung-jae, saying, "Thank you for becoming Seong Gi-hun, number 456. While you may not have succeeded in saving the other players, you saved our show." He also acknowledged producer Kim Ji-yeon for her support throughout the journey, stating, "You provided me with a lot of energy and pushed me to move forward."

Concluding his speech, Hwang remarked, "This award feels very solid. It seems to remind me not to be blinded by success but to carry the weight of responsibility that comes with this trophy as I move forward. I will keep that in mind as I continue to advance."