Squid Game took the world by storm when it was released last year. Now, its director Hwang Dong-Hyuk and lead star Lee Jung-Jae have both been awarded South Korea’s highest cultural medal for their work.
The nation’s president. Yoon Suk-Yeol, presented the duo with the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit as a commendation for their notable work in “the national film industry”. This is the highest achievement any South Korean artist can hope to achieve.
He credited the director’s “fierce efforts and talent” while lauding the lead star’s “remarkable performance” crediting the show and their work as a huge asset to the country’s output and artistic position.
The stars and president alike will be hoping that the show can continue its global success in season two. As Hwang Dong-Hyuk announced: “It took 12 years to bring the first season of Squid Game to life last year. But it took 12 days for Squid Game to become the most popular Netflix series ever.”
He then continued to tease what lies ahead. “Season two is coming,” he wrote. “The man in the suit with ddakji might be back. You’ll also be introduced to Young-Hee’s boyfriend, Cheol-Su. Join us once more for a whole new round.”
No release date has yet been announced and it would seem that Hwang Dong-Hyuk is determined not to rush the follow-up of his prised creation. But watch this space.