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The South Korean survival drama Squid Game has grown far beyond its initial release on Netflix, transforming into a worldwide cultural sensation. Its powerful themes, intense storytelling, and social commentary captured global attention, and the series continues to earn recognition years after its debut. Most recently, the show’s creator, Hwang Dong Hyuk, was honored with the prestigious Creator Tribute Award at the 2025 Gotham Television Awards. During his acceptance speech, he offered a heartfelt reflection on his journey, subtly referencing the long road of rejection the script faced before finding success.
In his speech, Hwang Dong Hyuk opened with a humble yet emotional line: “It feels like the miracles keep coming.” Calling Squid Game’s rise a miracle, he openly acknowledged the magnitude of what the series has become. His words reflected not just pride, but disbelief at how a story once dismissed by multiple production companies could now be celebrated on such a global stage. He went on to thank Netflix, the show’s cast, his mother, and notably, “everyone who rejected the Squid Game script back in 2009.” The director explained that without those early rejections, the version of Squid Game that viewers now know and love might never have existed.
This remark sparked conversation, with some interpreting it as a clever dig at the naysayers who doubted the show’s potential. Others viewed it as a sincere acknowledgment of how adversity can fuel creative growth. Whether or not it was intended as a pointed message, it’s clear that the years of struggle were essential to shaping Squid Game into the groundbreaking series it is today.
This wasn’t Squid Game’s first moment at the Gotham Television Awards either. The series previously earned the Breakthrough Series Over 40 Minutes award in 2021, following the release of its first season. Hwang reminisced on that night, recalling that he had described the recognition back then as a “miracle.” Standing on the same stage again four years later, he reaffirmed just how meaningful the journey has been, emphasizing that returning to the awards show felt like another miracle in itself.
With the highly anticipated finale of Squid Game’s latest season approaching, this new accolade arrives at a pivotal moment. Fans around the world are not only celebrating the show’s continued success but are also looking ahead with great hope for a third season that will carry forward the legacy of one of television’s most impactful stories.