Foreign media have given major coverage to actor O Yeong-su's Golden Globe win for best supporting actor in television for playing Oh Il-nam in the Netflix smash series "Squid Game." Shown is a CNN report on his milestone. (Screen capture from CNN's website)

By Yoon Sojung

Major foreign media including Reuters of the U.K. and CNN of the U.S. have given major coverage to "Squid Game" actor O Yeong-su, who earned the Golden Globe Award for best supporting actor in television.

In a report headlined "'Hippy granddad' O Yeong-su wins South Korea's first Golden Globe for 'Squid Game' role," Reuters said, "He beat more globally renowned competitors including Billy Crundup and Kieran Culkin."

The story added that his award was "drawing cheers at home and abroad despite criticism for the ceremony's organisers over a lack of diversity."

"O's achievement came after Youn Yuh-jung won best supporting actress at last year's Academy Awards, the first South Korean to win an Oscar, for her role in 'Minari,' a heartfelt Korean immigrant tale," it added.

CNN said on the same day, "'Squid Game' star O Yeong-su has made history after becoming the first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe," adding, "His triumph marks the first time a Korean TV drama or actor has been nominated and won a Golden Globe."

The Atlanta-based network said O's cast mate Lee Byung-hun, who played "Front Man" in the series, said "Bravo!" on the award, with other congratulatory messages from O's colleagues pouring in.

CBS said, "Without a live television or streaming event, the Golden Globes were quieter than usual this year, but still, some stars made history at the awards ceremony," adding, "'Squid Game' star O Yeong-su became the first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe."

Forbes said, "The actor has appeared in over 200 productions, including plays, TV series and films," adding, "The inventive South Korean drama became a runaway hit, quickly earning the honor of being the most popular show in Netflix viewing history. His character was a fan favorite."

President Moon Jae-in later on the same day wrote a congratulatory message on the actor's achievement on social media, saying, "His performance made a huge and lasting impression on the world stage," adding, "I extend my respect and appreciation to actor O Yeong-su."

arete@korea.kr