Golden tribute for Squid Game master

South Korean actor O Yeong Su won the country's first Golden Globe award yesterday for his role in Netflix hit Squid Game, drawing cheers at home and abroad despite criticism for the ceremony's organizers over a lack of diversity.

O, 77, won best supporting actor in television for his portrayal of sinister Oh II Nam, also known as The Host or Player 001, becoming the first Korean ever to take a Golden Globe.

He beat more renowned competitors including Billy Crudup and Kieran Culkin, nominated for performances in The Morning Show and Succession respectively.

The ceremony was held privately without fanfare after many actors, directors and studios refused to attend amid criticism that its organizer, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, lacked decent ethics policies and ethnic diversity.

President Moon Jae In congratulated O and the drama's crew, saying Squid Game gave hope for humanity despite its gloomy depiction of society.

O's achievement came after Youn Yuh Jung won best supporting actress at last year's Academy Awards for her role in Minari, an immigrant tale.

Squid Game, in which cash-strapped contestants play childhood games with deadly consequences in a bid to win a fortune, triggered a worldwide sensation and became Netflix's No 1 original series.

The drama has inspired countless real-world recreations and social media memes in South Korea.

Born in what is now the North Korean border town of Kaepung, O is seen as one of the greatest actors in South Korea, appearing in more than 200 stage productions since 1963 and winning many awards. He said he decided to join Squid Game out of appreciation for director Hwang Dong Hyuk's insight on social irregularities.