Hollywood also took notice of Lee’s performance. In 2022, he became the first Asian—and Korean—actor to win the Emmy Award for outstanding male lead
Hollywood also took notice of Lee’s performance. In 2022, he became the first Asian—and Korean—actor to win the Emmy Award for outstanding male lead actor in a drama series. His recognition also marked the first time that the award had gone to an actor in a non-English-language show. “I still can’t believe I won. Is this reality?” he laughs now. “The best part of winning was that Korean content was being shared and beloved by an international audience. I hope my win can inspire other non-English-speaking actors and filmmakers that there are opportunities in America and on the worldwide stage.”
Following his historic wins, Lee continued trailblazing as the first Asian to play a Jedi master in the Disney+ Star Wars series The Acolyte—a part that also marked Lee’s first English-speaking role. The show’s cast included Amandla Stenberg, Jodie Turner-Smith and Manny Jacinto, and was led by showrunner Leslye Headland, making it one of the franchise’s most diverse projects. But some of The Acolyte’s cast members faced racist and hateful online harassment from toxic Star Wars fans outraged over the show’s inclusion of diverse characters.
“My feelings were hurt,” Lee admits when asked about the experience, after taking a pause. “Especially for Leslye Headland—her feelings must have hurt a lot.” Though Lee was aware of the passionate Star Wars fandom, he was still “shocked” by the racist backlash. The series was cancelled in August, meaning the first season’s multiple cliffhangers will never be resolved.
Despite the divisiveness of today’s culture, Lee has a positive attitude about the future. “I can only have faith that racism will end someday,” he says, “even though it’s going to be hard.” Lee is also positive that viewers will revisit The Acolyte. “For some work, it takes time to gain traction, and I have strong hopes that people will like it as time passes,” he says.
Lee is undeterred even by fandom that turns ugly. “As long as I am thankful,” he says, “all things will work out.” If he ever feels burdened by fans intruding into his personal life, “then I should quit my job. I shouldn’t think that way in dealing with fans,” he adds. “Fandom comes along with my career. This is the nature of it, so I can’t take it for granted. No matter what, I’m always thankful.”
He’s not slowing down, either. As Lee begins another grueling awards-season circuit, he’s toiling away on his second action-movie screenplay after successfully writing, starring, and directing the 2022 espionage thriller Hunt. He’s also continuing to appear in ad campaigns as Gucci’s global brand ambassador. Mostly, though, he’s relieved about putting one question behind him. “Fans always ask me, when is [Squid Game] season two coming out? I tell them, ‘Just wait a little bit longer,’” he says. “And now, I am finally able to talk about it. That brings the most joy.”
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