Actor Lee Jung-jae, director Hwang Dong-hyuk receive Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit

Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae and director Hwang Dong-hyuk received the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit from President Yoon Suk-yeol Tuesday.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, center, presents the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit to actor Lee Jung-jae, left, and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, at an award ceremony at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul Tuesday. Lee and Hwang of Netflix’s 2021 dystopian hit series “Squid Game” won the prizes for Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Directing, respectively, in a Drama Series at the 74th Emmy Awards in September. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae and director Hwang Dong-hyuk received the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit from President Yoon Suk-yeol Tuesday.

Yoon held a ceremony to award the Emmy winners at the presidential office in Yongsan District. The merit recognizes their contributions to the improvement of national culture.

Lee and Hwang of Netflix’s 2021 dystopian hit series “Squid Game” won the prizes for Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Directing, respectively, in a Drama Series at the 74th Emmy Awards in September.

The Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit is the highest-ranking medal given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of culture and arts.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, left, confers the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit to Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae Tuesday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]