"Squid Game" actor Lee Jung-jae and director Hwang Dong-hyuk win the highest cultural medal

President Yoon Suk-yeol awarded the government's highest cultural medal, the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, to at the Office of the President in Seoul on Dec. 27.

The order goes to a person of national merit in culture and arts. The president put the medal around each honoree's neck..

President Yoon Suk-yeol (center) take a commemorative photo with director Hwang Dong-hyuk (right) and actor Lee Jung-jae, who won an Emmy Award for the drama "Squid Game," after awarding the top cultural medal at the presidential office in Yongsan on Dec. 27.
President Yoon Suk-yeol (center) take a commemorative photo with director Hwang Dong-hyuk (right) and actor Lee Jung-jae, who won an Emmy Award for the drama "Squid Game," after awarding the top cultural medal at the presidential office in Yongsan on Dec. 27.

During the commemorative photoshoot with high-ranking presidential officials, including Kim Eun-hye, senior presidential secretary for press affairs, Ahn Sang-hoon, senior presidential secretary for social affairs, and Hwang Seong-un, presidential secretary for culture and sports, the president looked around and said jokingly, "Someone here might be a minister after years from now," adding, "Back in the old days, I'd be taking photos with this person."

After Hwang and Lee on Sept. 13 accepted their Emmys for "Squid Game," President Yoon sent a congratulatory message saying, "I congratulate you together with the entire nation."

저작권자 © The Korea Post 무단전재 및 재배포 금지