The Squid Game cast had a successful night at the Screen Stars Guild Honors on Sunday night, with the Korean Netflix drama winning three awards for the TV show and its actors.
Moments after Lee Jung-jae (who played Song Gi-hun in Squid Game) was named Outstanding Male Actor in a Drama Series, his co-star HoYeon Jung (who played Kang Sae-byeok in Squid Game) was named Best Female Actor in a Drama Series.
After being in the same classification as Jennifer Anniston, Reese Witherspoon, Elisabeth Moss, and Sarah Snook, both actors were moved by their well-deserved triumph, with HoYeon holding back tears throughout her acceptance speech.
“First and foremost, thank you so much,” HoYeon said in Korean, which was translated through an interpreter. “I have sat many-a-times watching you on the big screen dreaming of one day becoming an actor. I just want to say thank you so much.”
After the emotional pause, HoYeon added in English: “Thank you [for making my] dream and opening the door for me. I love my Squid Game crew!”
The camera panned to her ecstatic co-stars and the emotional Hollywood stars in the audience, including Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Chastain, who appeared to be equally moved.
HoYeon’s first acting part was in Squid Game, thus the achievement is significant for the 27-year-old, who previously worked as an international model for some major fashion houses.