Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, the mastermind behind Netflix's Squid Game, was honored with the Tribute Award at the 2025 Gotham TV Awards held in New York.

🎬 A Full-Circle Moment at Gotham

The ceremony took place on June 3 at Cipriani Wall Street. Hwang and Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae both attended, with Lee presenting the award and offering a heartfelt tribute.

Hwang recalled,

"Gotham was the first awards ceremony I ever attended for Squid Game. That night in 2021, I received the Breakthrough Series award. It felt like a miracle—one that I believe is still ongoing."

🌟 Thanking the Ones Who Said 'No'

In a moment of humor and reflection, Hwang said,

"I want to thank everyone who rejected Squid Game back in 2009. If even one of you had said yes, this version we know today wouldn't exist."

🎥 Praise for Cast, Crew, and Especially Lee Jung-jae

He gave a heartfelt nod to the Squid Game team:

"To everyone who supported my vision and to the cast and crew of Seasons 1 through 3, thank you."

"And to Lee Jung-jae, who became our Player 456—though he couldn't save the others, he saved the entire show."

💬 A Candid Anecdote from the Past

Hwang also reminisced about working with producer Kim Ji-yeon on The Fortress in 2017:

"We poured everything into that movie. I thought it was the best work of my life, but it wasn't commercially successful."

He recounted being offered a prize "for achieving everything except commercial success."

"I was furious. It felt like they were mocking me and my film."

Kim Ji-yeon encouraged him to accept the award regardless, attending the ceremony in his place.

"Her optimism always lifted us. She pushed me to go further."

🏆 Looking Ahead

Holding the heavy trophy, Hwang ended his speech on a powerful note:

"This award feels solid and heavy—like it's telling me not to be blinded by past achievements but to carry the weight of responsibility into my next chapter. I'll remember that. And I'll move forward."

📺 Squid Game Season 3 is set to premiere on June 27, bringing the iconic series to a close.

[Photo Credit: Gotham Awards Capture]