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Lunar | Squid Game’s Emmy success is Korean culture’s latest blow against US cultural hegemony
- The success of the Korean show and the broad array of Emmy nominees has been touted as a win for diversity in an often-stale industry
- The hope is this opens more doors for non-white actors, diversifies narratives and makes the US more open to other cultures rather than exporting its own
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Squid Game did not go to the 74th Emmy Awards to play. With its impressive 14 nominations – including one for most outstanding drama series, the first non-English language series to be so recognised – the Korean show had made history even before stepping onto the competition’s red carpet in Los Angeles.
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The cast of Netflix’s most watched series did more than just show up on Monday. Lead actor Lee Jung-jae and director Hwang Dong-hyuk became the first Asians to win the top awards of outstanding directing and outstanding lead actor in a drama series, adding to the six technical awards the show garnered earlier.
The drama’s success at the Emmys was greeted with cheers in South Korea and hailed as the latest example of the country’s rise as a cultural powerhouse. Pride was the feeling that stood out the most from the many media interviews conducted with regular Korean people following Squid Game’s wins.
Looking at the bigger picture, this year’s edition included a record number of Asian acting nominees. Sandra Oh, Himesh Patel and Bowen Yang were among the dozens selected throughout the different categories.
Some other remarkable nominees – such as Zendaya and Lizzo, who have advocated for a more diverse Hollywood – also won awards. In many aspects, this year’s Emmys were perceived as a win for diversity.
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‘I feel proud’: South Koreans celebrate as Squid Game TV show makes history at 2022 Emmys
‘I feel proud’: South Koreans celebrate as Squid Game TV show makes history at 2022 Emmys
Korean culture’s success is refreshing in Hollywood. Not only has it brought global attention to talented performers outside the US mainstream, its popularity is also raising questions about the perception of US awards and standards as the sole arbiter of excellence.
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