▲ This photo of South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae is provided by the Charlie Chaplin Award. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) — South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae has become the first Korean recipient of the prestigious Charlie Chaplin Award, given to those who have made outstanding contributions to the global film industry, his agency said Saturday.

According to Artist Company, Lee was named the winner at the Charlie Chaplin Award Asia ceremony held in Singapore on Friday (local time).

The Charlie Chaplin Award, presented by Film at Lincoln Center in the United States, was established in 1972 to commemorate the return of legendary actor Charlie Chaplin from exile. The first award was presented to Chaplin himself, and it has since been given annually to figures who have made significant contributions to world cinema.

An Asian division was introduced in 2018, with only one recipient selected each year. Previous honorees include Chinese directors Zhang Yimou and Tony Leung Chiu-wai. Lee is the first Korean to receive the distinction.

“I’m deeply honored to receive an award in the name of such a respected filmmaker and artist,” Lee said. “As an Asian actor, I will strive to have a positive influence through my work.”

Lee gained international fame with Netflix’s global hit “Squid Game” and recently starred in the Disney+ original series “The Acolyte,” set in the “Star Wars” universe.

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