‘Squid Game’ Actor Lee Jung Jae is Among New York Times’ Breakout Star of 2021
Lee Jung Jae proves his dominance worldwide - from raking awards, earning nods at prestigious ceremonies and his recent was with New York Times.
The South Korean star is a renowned A-lister in his home country with an accolade of achievements and remarkable projects under his belt.
Interestingly, the Netflix series "Squid Game" catapulted him to global success, being the streaming giant's biggest show yet and landing the role of debt-ridden Seong Gi Hoon.
Lee Jung Jae Named as New York Times's Breakout Stars of 2021
Long regarded as the national "newspaper of record," The New York Times included the actor as the publication's Breakout Star of 2021 for TV category.
He was described as the "global streaming sensation" who impressed viewers with his "complex performance."
In addition, the award-winning newspaper also listed Lee Jung Hae's latest movie "Deliver Us From Evil," where he took the role of a savvy con-man named Ray.
READ MORE: Netflix's 'Squid Game' Ranks First as Google's Most Searched TV Show for 2021
Joining the New York Times' Breakout Stars of 2021 is Olivia Rodrigo for music, "The Help" star Aunjanue Ellis and award-winning Cooper Hoffman for movie and contemporary painter Jennifer Packer for the arts category.
Interestingly, apart from Lee Jung Jae, another South Korean who made it to this year's list is conductor Eun Sun Kim for classical music, who became the first female music director of a major opera company.
Lee Jung Jae's Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards 2022 Nominations
As the "Squid Game" took home a slew of international awards, Lee Jung Jae is also reaping his success with various nominations globally.
To name a few, the survival-themed series won Breakthrough Series in Long Format at the Gotham Awards 2021, Binge-Worthy trophy at the recently concluded People's Choice Awards and a special award at the American Film Institute.
On the other hand, the 49-year-old South Korea star earned a nod at the Critics Choice Awards 2022 as Best Actor with Mike Colter of "Evil," Sterling K. Brown of "This Is Us," Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong of 'Succession," and Bill Porter of "Pose."
Apart from it, he is also among the nominees for Best Actor in a Drama Series while his "Squid Game" co-star Oh Young Soo, who played playr 001 Oh Il Nam, earned a nod for Best Supporting Actor and will be competing against HBO's Kieran Culkin of "Succession," Brett Goldstein of AppleTV+'s "Ted Lasso" and more.
Director Hwang Dong Hyuk Spill Details on 'Squid Game 2'
During his appearance at the virtual SAG panel, "Squid Game," director Hwang Dong Hyuk spoke about the process of creating the much-awaited sequel.
He mentioned that some cast members would reprise their roles, including Lee Jung Jae; however, he revealed that his character might have a different perspective.
"In other words, his humanity is shown through a very passive manner. But I would think that in the second season, what he has learned from the games and his experience in the first season, they will all be put to use in a more active manner," he said.
Moreover, he added that the second installment would highlight Lee Byung Hun's role, a.k.a The Frontman.
