Showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk was quizzed on MrBeast's multi-million dollar online remake as Squid Game took home its first major US accolade.
ADVERTISEMENTSquid Game creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk has given his stamp of approval to YouTube star MrBeast's "real life" version of the Netflix series
"I watched some of it. I loved it. It helps me to promote the show too, so please more – I want more people to do it," he said.
A controversial life-sized remake of the games made headlines this week after online video creator MrBeast – real name James Donaldson – spent several million dollars recreating all six challenges for 456 people to play in.
The 'winner' receives $456,000 (€400,000) while the others return home unharmed, unlike Dong-Hyuk's version.
His video has received 122 million views in five days.
Dong-Hyuk gave his seal of approval at the Gotham Awards, where Squid Game took home its first major US accolade for Breakthrough Series.
The Gotham Awards take place in New York city annually to honour independent film and TV productions.
'Flustered but happy' over show's success
Squid Game stars Lee Jung-jae and Jung Hoyeon also attended Monday's awards, with Jung-jae celebrating a nomination for Best Actor.
Model-turned-actor Jung Hoyeon had her first acting gig in the Korean Netflix series and is now ready for another role.
In the meantime, she's signed with CAA and models for Louis Vuitton. Jung said she feels "flustered" by her new success.
"It's always a pleasure to see so much love and support being thrown my way," said Jung.
"But there are so many firsts that I am currently going through, I'm a little bit flustered but overall very, very happy and grateful."
