The Reason This Squid Game Star's Golden Globes Win Is Such A Big Deal

Netflix's show "Squid Game" was a breakout hit in 2021. The show was so successful that it quickly became Netflix's most-viewed program in the streaming service's history (via Variety). In the first four weeks that the show was available for streaming, it brought in an impressive 1.65 billion hours of viewing, creating a new record. To put these views into perspective, the prior record was held by the first season of "Bridgerton," which had 625 million hours of viewing in its first four weeks of release.

"Squid Game" has dominated the American award show circuit when it comes to nominations (via the Korea Herald). The show has been nominated for three Critics Choice Awards, as well as three Golden Globe Awards. "Squid Game" is getting recognition across artistic categories, including best drama and best foreign language series, just to name a few. The show recently won a major award at the 2022 Golden Globes, and there was a reason that made the win extra special.

When "Squid Game" was nominated for a slew of awards, fans were not surprised. The show was widely popular and broke streaming records. However, some fans may not know that actor O Yeong-su's Golden Globe win for best performance by a supporting actor in a series, limited series, or television movie had an even deeper meaning (via People).

Yeong-su's role as Oh II-nam, also known as Player 001, beat actors like Kieran Culkin of "Succession" and Brett Goldstein from "Ted Lasso" to become the first-ever Korean-born actor to win a Golden Globe Award (per CNN). At the age of 77, he is the same age as the award show itself. That's how long it took for a Korean to win.

The role in "Squid Game" changed Yeong-Su's life. He shared with CNN, "I feel like I'm in the air. So I'm trying to calm myself down now so I can restrain myself." He added, "When I go to cafes or other places, I become self-conscious. Being a famous actor was hard too." Now, he can add breaking down racial barriers in American award shows to his list of accomplishments!