Squid Game Star Lee Yoo-mi Nabs Historic Emmy Win

Squid Game became an instant global phenomenon when it premiered on Netflix last year and its popularity propelled the series to become an awards darling as it received numerous nominations at this year's Emmy Awards. Now, the series has made its mark in the awards' history with its latest series of wins.

The series nabbed four wins at the recent Creative Arts ceremony last Sunday including a historic win for Lee Yoo-mi, who won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Ji-yeong (Player no. 240) in the episode "Gganbu." She became the first Korean actress ever to win the category in the award's history.

Lee was able to beat veteran actresses such as Hope Davis (Succession), Marcia Gay Harden (The Morning Show), Martha Kelly (Euphoria), Sanaa Lathan (Succession), and Harriet Walter (Succession).

According to Deadline, following her win, Lee went backstage for a quick session with the reporters where she discussed about her potential future in Hollywood following the international success that she has received thanks to the show.

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"Holding it now feels very heavy and it almost feels like a sense of heavy responsibility that I have as an actress. I want to be able to do more with it moving forward," the newly-minted Emmy winner said.

Lee also remained mum on whether her character will return from the dead in the second season. "Season 2 is still a secret. But I think once you watch it, you’ll find out," she teased the reporters.

Besides Lee's acting win, the series also won in categories such as Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One-Hour or More), Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Single Episode, and Outstanding Stunt Performance.

The series will also be competing at the main ceremony this coming September 12 where it is nominated for Outstanding Drama Series as well as directing, writing, and multiple acting nods for Lee Jung-jae, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su, and Park Hae-soo.

Also Read: Stranger Things Wins 5 Emmys at Creative Arts Ceremony

The first season of Squid Game is streaming on Netflix. You can check the details about the upcoming second season here.