SINGAPORE – He may be a veteran actor with over three decades of success in his native South Korea. But for Lee Jung Jae, nothing beats the “great honour” of being known internationally as gambling addict-turned-hero Player 456 from hit Netflix K-series Squid Game (2021 to 2025).

He remains grateful to have been a part of the pop culture phenomenon.

“I still cannot believe that I did something to deserve this great honour,” Lee, 52, tells The Straits Times via an interpreter at Resorts World Sentosa.

He was in Singapore on Oct 3 for Tatler Ball Asia, the luxury media platform’s annual gala event, where he received the Chaplin Award for his influence on international entertainment and role in reshaping global perceptions of Asian talent.

“I’m glad we got to tell a story from Asia to the whole world, and that viewers around the world could relate to it.”

The award recognises actors or film-makers for their exceptional contributions to cinema. It was established by Irish model-entrepreneur Kiera Chaplin, granddaughter of British film legend Charlie Chaplin, in 2018.

Its recipients include Hong Kong actors Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Donnie Yen, Chinese film-makers Zhang Yimou and Tian Zhuangzhuang, Chinese actors Jiang Wen and Ge You, as well as Taiwanese actress Lin Ching-hsia. 

Upon accepting the trophy on stage, Lee – who took home best actor wins for Squid Game at the Emmys and Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2022 – said: “I am honoured to be receiving this Chaplin Award, and I totally feel the weight of it.  

“I feel more nervous receiving this award today than when I received the Emmy.”

Lee, who made his directorial debut in 2022 with South Korean espionage thriller Hunt, co-starring Jung Woo-sung, added: “It’s a strange mixture of feelings because Mr Chaplin is someone I have deep respect for and deeply love. He was an amazing artiste and film-maker. Having received this award ...