Emmy Awards: 'Squid Game' Star Becomes First Asian To Win Best Actor Honor

Lee Jung-Jae made history after he became the first Asian to bag the coveted trophy for outstanding lead actor in a drama at this year's Emmy Awards for his performance in "Squid Game."

"First, I'd like to thank God above," he said in English as he accepted his trophy at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. "Thank you to the Television Academy, thank you to Netflix and thank you to Director Hwang for making realistic problems we all face come to life so creatively on the screen with a great script and amazing features. Thank you, 'Squid Game' team."

"Thank you to everyone watching in Korea," the 49-year-old actor added.

Lee starred in the dystopian Netflix series as player 456 who competed with others in deadly children's games in exchange for a hefty sum. The South Korean veteran actor won the outstanding lead actor trophy over other notable contenders, including Bob Odenkirk of "Better Call Saul," Jason Bateman of "Ozark," Adam Scott of "Severance," and Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong of "Succession."

Lee is the fourth Asian actor to win an Emmy trophy and is also the first to win an award for a non-English speaking role.

Series Creator and Director Hwang Dong-Hyuk also won the award for outstanding director for a drama series. He beat other big names like Jason Bateman of "Ozark" and "Succession" directors Cathy Yan and Lorene Scafaria.

In his speech, Hwang said, "I truly hope Squid Game won't be the last non-English series to be here at the Emmys" and added, "And I truly hope this won't be my last Emmy, either."

"Squid Game," which premiered on the streaming platform last September, scored a total of 14 Emmy nominations, including outstanding drama series, outstanding writing for a drama series, best supporting actress in a drama series for Jung Ho-Yeon and supporting actor in a drama series for O Yeong-Su and Park Hae-Soo.

The drama eventually took home six trophies, which also includes the outstanding guest actress award (Lee Yoo-Mi), best special effects in a single episode, best stunt performance and best production design for a narrative contemporary program.

At the Emmys, Jung lost the trophy to "Ozark" actress Julia Gardner, while the outstanding supporting actor award went to Matthew MacFadyen. Also, the outstanding drama series award went to "Succession," while "Succession" creator Jesse Armstrong won the Emmys for best writing.