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“Squid Game” lead actor Lee Jung-jae (left) and director Hwang Dong-hyuk (right) hold up their respective Emmy trophies after winning at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 12 in Los Angeles’s Microsoft Theater. (AP/Yonhap)

The Korean Netflix series “Squid Game” made history at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday (local time) with actor Lee Jung-jae and director Hwang Dong-hyuk each taking home an award.

The Emmys are put on by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and are considered one of the top honors in American broadcasting. This year’s awards marked the first time that not only a Korean but an Asian actor won an Emmy for a leading role in a series. It was also the first time that a drama in a non-English language won for directing.

Up first to the stage was Hwang, who upon receiving his trophy for Outstanding Directing For a Drama Series thanked the TV Academy and Netflix, then added, “I believe, I have to say, we've made all history together.”

“I truly hope 'Squid Game' won't be the last non-English series to be here at the Emmys,” Hwang said, adding that he would be back at the Emmys with the show’s second season.

Clinching the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor In a Drama Series, Lee Jung-jae thanked the series’ creator for “making realistic problems we all face come to life so creatively on the screen,” while also extending his gratitude to the TV Academy and Netflix.

Lee went on in Korean to say he would “share the joy with Koreans, friends, family and priceless fans watching in Korea.”

Even Young-hee, the animatronic doll from the series, made an appearance at the awards.

Lee Jung-jae and Jung Ho-yeon of the Netflix series “Squid Game” take the stage to present the winner of the best variety sketch series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 12 in Los Angeles’s Microsoft Theater. (AP/Yonhap)

“Squid Game” also was honored at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards that took place on Sept. 4, with Lee Yoo-mi winning Outstanding Guest Actress for her role in the episode “Gganbu.” The series’ crew walked away with trophies for production design, visual effects in a single episode, and stunt performances that night as well.

Combined with the two wins on Monday night, “Squid Game” walked away with a total of six Emmys this year.

“Squid Game” creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk points into the crowd as he gives his acceptance speech after winning Outstanding Directing and Writing For a Drama Series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 12 in Los Angeles’s Microsoft Theater. (AP/Yonhap)

“Squid Game” lead actor Lee Jung-jae delivers his acceptance speech after winning an Emmy for his role in the series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 12 in Los Angeles’s Microsoft Theater. (AP/Yonhap)

By Lee Jeong-a, staff reporter

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