Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg draws flak after describing the "Squid Game" cast as "unknown people" at PGA Awards Zanuck Award.
The two-time Oscar-winning director appeared as one of the nominees for the ceremony held in Los Angeles.
Per Deadline, the "Jurassic Park" director went to praise the success of "Squid game," calling it a game-changer in the TV and film industry. He said that the Netflix series "comes along and changes the math entirely for all of us."
Moreover, he also thanked Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer of Netflix, for introducing the nine-part episode K-drama for the global audience.
Unfortunately, upon pointing out the importance of casting, Steven Spielberg was criticized for using the term "unknown" to describe the actors.
Director Steven Spielberg in Hot Waters After Calling 'Squid Game' Cast 'Unknown'
As mentioned by the Independent, some netizens are furious about how the award-winning filmmaker described the cast. Fans pointed out that the cast boasts "most famous actors in Korea," including Lee Jung Jae, a renowned actor in the country.
Apart from it, Lee Byung Hun, who played The Frontman, has tons of recognition under his belt and played in a slew of international movies.
The same goes for Gong Yoo, who made a cameo in "Squid Game." He is one of the most sought-after leading men and not to mention, among the highest-paid K-drama actors.
In addition, others raised that using the word "unknown" is a "poor choice of words."
While one mentioned, "Another day, another American thinking the world revolves around them."
The report also cited a tweet mentioned by one user saying, "Unknown????? Western exceptionalism rotting everyone's brains lmfao."
IN CASE YOU MISSED: Here are the Children's Games Featured in Neflix's 'Squid Game'
The criticisms came after Steven Spielberg mentioned in the PGA Awards Zanuck Award how the industry was cyclical on casting star-studded or famous actors on a project.
"A long time ago, it was domestic stars that brought the audience into movies," the veteran director said, adding, "Today, it's interesting, unknown people can star in entire miniseries, can be in movies."
While some slammed the "West Side Story" director, others defended him and pointed out that he might be referring to Korean actors who are unknown to the global audience, speaking in a general sense.
The Time Lee Jung Jae Professionally Answered Rude Question From an American Reporter
Amid the success and popularity of "Squid Game," the Netflix series has encountered impolite comments from the Western media.
In November, while the cast alongside director Hwang Dong Hyuk graced the Squid Game screening in Los Angeles, Lee Jung Jae was asked by NBC Extra TV reporter about his most significant life change since the series came out.
Prior to this, the host mentioned, "I'm sure you can't leave the house anymore without people recognizing you," which made some of the fans cringe.
However, the award-winning actor was lauded for politely answering the question in a very professional way.
At the time, he shared that the biggest change was how he was recognized by "everybody everywhere, specifically in the United States."
Lee Jung Jae is an A-lister in South Korea, raking recognitions left and right. His latest was the SAG Awards 2022 Best Actor and Best Male Performance at Independent Spirit Awards 2022
