Lee Jung-jae and Jung Ho-yeon (aka Ho-yeon Jung), stars of Netflix’s global hit Korean series “Squid Game,” expressed happiness after they were nominated at the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, which will be held on Feb. 27.
“Squid Game” garnered four nominations at the SAG Awards including Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series and Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series.
Lee Jung-jae is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Seong Gi-hun in “Squid Game,” released on Sept. 17 and emerged as Netflix’s biggest show of all time.
He took to Instagram to celebrate his and the team’s nominations.
“I'm speechless and beyond excited to be nominated, not just individually but for our entire Squid Game team!” he wrote.
He added, “I vividly remember the precious moments we shared together, putting in all the hard work to film the intense six rounds of games.”
“On top of the unforgettable memories we share, today's SAG Awards nominations will be remembered as a precious and touching moment. Thank you so much to the members of SAG-AFTRA. I am so humbled and want to share this moment with all the fans of Squid Game who have faith in justice and love, we as people cherish. #오징어게임 #squidgame #screenactorsguildawards,” he said.
For the award, the 49-year-old actor is competing against Brian Cox of “Succession,” Billy Crudup of “The Morning Show,” Kieran Culkin of “Succession” and Jeremy Strong of “Succession.”
Jung Ho-yeon is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role as North Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok in “Squid Game.”
She is running against Jennifer Aniston of “The Morning Show,” Elizabeth Moss of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Sarah Snook of “Succession” and Reese Witherspoon of “The Morning Show.”
“Thank you SAG members! First, I am truly excited for the best ensemble nomination, which has made all of our team’s time spent together on Squid Game even more valuable,” Jung Ho-yeon posted on Instagram.
She added, “Working on this series, and acting for the first time, I thought about how creating something ‘together,’ and ‘as an ensemble’ just might be the true value of our society. I feel empowered to be reminded of how ‘together’ is more precious than a solo achievement.”
“I am truly grateful! I’m also reminded of our Best Stunt Team, being nominated for the best stunt ensemble nomination. I send all the love and thanks to the best stunt team ever who made sure all of us were safe on the set,” she said.
The 27-year-old actress said, “Lastly, I was truly taken by surprise that I was nominated. I’m just happy knowing that my photo is going to appear alongside that of Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Elisabeth Moss, and Sarah Snook. Thank you to everyone who voted!”
“Squid Game” is also nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, competing against “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Morning Show,” “Succession” and “Yellowstone.”
The Korean drama also scored a nomination for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series. Other nominees are “Cobra Kai,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Loki” and “Mare of Easttown.”